Dentist Fees: How Do They Work

Many of you are wondering which dentist fees are covered by RAMQ. Do all dentists have the same prices? Who decides the fees? How does private insurance work? Etc.
We will try to demystify all of this in a very simple way!

Understanding Dental Offices

First, it is important to know that dental offices are private clinics. They are therefore free to set up their own price list.

Every year, the Association des Chirurgiens Dentistes du Québec provides its members with a fee guide and description of dental treatment services. This guide is for suggestive purposes only and members may determine their fees otherwise.

The Medical Card (RAMQ)

The medical card (RAMQ) will cover one dental exam per year for children 0-9 years old. The cleaning portion, fluoride and hygiene instructions, are not covered by the RAMQ. If you have private insurance and it includes your children, the cleaning portion will be sent to your insurance.

The RAMQ will cover some dental treatments. Ask our secretary, she will be able to inform you about the family dentistry services we offer that are covered by the RAMQ. You can also consult the complete list of dental services covered by the RAMQ for more info.

Private Insurance

There are so many insurance companies and even more insurance plans. It is important to understand that insurance plans are not tailored-made for your needs but are based on an agreement between your employer and the insurance company. It is possible that your dentist gives you treatment recommendations that are not covered by your insurance.

The treatment options are based on a diagnosis and not on a fixed insurance plan. For this reason, dentist fees for some treatments might not be covered by your insurance plan. Since dental clinics are not insurance managers and because any information on your insurance policy is confidential, it is impossible for us to collect details about your coverage.

Insurance companies will cover a predetermined percentage of the treatment cost. Their fees are based on the Association des Chirurgiens Dentistes du Québec’s fee guide, however, not necessarily the current year guide. When your insurance company tells you that it covers 100%, it is 100% of their price, not 100% of the cost claimed by your dentist.

We are here to help you

Whatever your situation, you can count on us to inform you about the dental fees you will have to pay according to the RAMQ and your private insurance. Contact us for more information on our services and dentist fees or to make an appointment with one of our experienced dentists.