Dental treatment in Calgary can be quite expensive, but there are many ways to significantly reduce your costs without compromising on quality. Below is a detailed overview of strategies and resources for saving money on dental services at private clinics in the city.
1. Understanding the pricing structure for dental services
Most clinics in Calgary adhere to the Alberta Dental Fee Guide, an official guide to recommended fees that is updated every 2–3 years.
| Procedure | Cost |
|---|---|
| New patient exam (adults) | $137.65 |
| New patient exam (children) | $85.91 – $117.09 |
| Teeth cleaning (15 min) | $74.40 |
| Panoramic X-ray | $106.61 |
| Filling (1 surface) | $166.40 – $201.70 |
| Filling (5 surfaces) | $374.90 – $432.20 |
| Braces | $2,999 – $6,999 |
| Invisalign | $1,799 – $6,199 |
2. Government programs and assistance
2.1 Alberta Health Services
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Reduced rates (≈20% of the Alberta Fee Guide) for low-income families without insurance.
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Services: exams, X-rays, fluoride, fillings, tooth extractions, root canal treatment.
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Locations:
- Sheldon Chumir Centre: 403-955-6888
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Sunridge Medical Gallery: 403-944-9999
2.2 Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP)
- Federal plan for Canadians with an annual income of less than $90,000: regular checkups, cleanings, fillings, tooth extractions, emergency care.
2.3 Alberta Child Health Benefit
- Free coverage for children under 18 (up to 20 if enrolled in school): checkups, X-rays, fillings, tooth extractions, cleanings.
3. Alternative savings options
3.1 Independent dental hygiene clinics
- Offer cleanings and basic services at a discount of approximately 15%.
3.2 Student discounts
- Up to 20% at many clinics (e.g., BDC Dental in Brentwood for SAIT, Mount Royal, Bow Valley College, and U of C students).
3.3 Dental assistant programs
- SAIT and Columbia College offer inexpensive services under supervision: polishing, fluoride treatment, X-rays, scaling.
4. Saving strategies at private clinics
4.1 Preventive care
- Regular brushing and flossing, use of fluoride toothpaste, and limiting sugar intake.
4.2 Payment planning
- Direct billing to insurance
- Installment plans through DentalCard (iFinance Canada)
- Online financing with instant approval
- Phased treatment based on your budget
4.3 Insurance plans
- Most common: Sun Life Financial, Alberta Blue Cross, Green Shield Canada, Canada Life, Manulife, RBC Insurance.
4.4 Promotions and discounts
- 10% off cleanings at Skypointe Dental
- Free consultations for implants and Invisalign
- Gift cards up to $100 at Bow Trail Dental
- Lifetime Whitening Program at Poplar Dental
5. Emergency dental care
- The Alex Dental Health Bus — free for children ages 6–24
- Calgary Urban Project Society (CUPS) — free tooth extractions every Friday for low-income individuals
6. Practical tips for maximum savings
- Compare prices at several clinics
- Find out about discounts for students, seniors, and employees
- Check for seasonal and promotional offers
- Check the Alberta Fee Guide
- Plan expensive treatments at the beginning of the insurance year
- Keep receipts for tax deductions
7. Long-term dental health planning
- Regular checkups and cleanings ($200–300/year) are much cheaper than emergency treatment ($1,000+).
- It is recommended to set aside $20–50 each month for unexpected dental expenses.