Understanding your dental insurance.

Clear answers. No surprises. Just what you need to feel confident.

Dental insurance can help make dental care more accessible — but it only works if you feel confident using it. At 123Dentist, we do our best to take the confusion out of coverage. Whether your plan is through work, purchased privately, or something you’re still exploring, we’ll help you make sense of it. That way, you can walk into your appointment knowing exactly what’s covered, what’s not, and what comes next.

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A friendly blue character, the 123Dentist Smiley, accompanies the text "INSURANCE you're covered!" along with an umbrella illustration, conveying a message of protection and reassurance. The background is light blue, enhancing the cheerful theme.

How dental insurance works at our clinics.

In Canada, dental care isn’t covered by your provincial health plan. That means most patients either pay out of pocket or use private insurance. If you do have insurance, your plan likely covers part of your treatment — how much depends on your policy.

At most 123Dentist clinics, insurance is handled through something called payment by assignment. It’s simple: your clinic sends your insurance details in advance and finds out how much of your treatment will be covered. That way, you’ll have a clear idea of what’s covered and what your portion will be. You’ll know what your plan covers and how much you’ll owe before anything begins.

Routine services — like checkups, cleanings, and fillings — are often covered at 80%. That means you pay the remaining 20% out of pocket. For more advanced procedures like crowns or bridges, it’s common to see a 50/50 split between your plan and you. These percentages depend on the specifics of your policy.

One thing to know: clinics are legally required to collect the patient portion. Waiving co-payments is considered insurance fraud in Canada, and providers take this seriously. You’ll usually sign a simple claim form confirming what services were performed and what your plan will cover.

If you don’t have insurance, that’s okay too. Many of our clinics offer flexible financing or in-house payment options. Your dental team is happy to suggest alternative treatment options that work for your budget.

Each 123Dentist location is independently owned, which means policies can vary. Some accept a wide range of insurance providers; others may have specific arrangements.