FAQs

The Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) is a new government program designed to make dental care more affordable for Canadians who meet specific eligibility requirements. While it provides significant coverage for many dental services, it is important to understand that CDCP does not always cover 100% of treatment costs.

At Carrington Dental, our team follows the Alberta Dental Fee Guide when determining treatment costs. However, the CDCP reimbursement rates are based on their own fee structure, which is often lower than the Alberta Fee Guide. Carrington Dental clinic will gift the remaining cost for those who are considered 100% covered under the CDCP plan.

No. While the CDCP covers many basic services, such as dental exams, X-rays, fillings, scaling (cleanings), extractions, and some preventive care, not every service is fully covered. For example:

• Preventive services (cleanings, exams, fluoride) – usually covered but only up to the CDCP fee frequency limitation. For professional dental hygiene visits, 4 units of scaling are equivalent to 1 hour of dental cleaning and are covered every 12 months. Your recommended dental hygiene care is always tailored to your individual needs as a patient and may extend beyond what your benefits cover.
• Restorative care (fillings, extractions) – covered, but patients may need to pay the difference if your CDCP plan covers you less than 100% of their fees.
• Major services (crowns, dentures, bridges) – limited coverage, and in some cases, not included at all. We will always submit an estimate to CDCP as a courtesy to our patients.

Before your appointment, our team is happy to review your coverage and help you understand what portion may be your responsibility.

The Alberta Dental Fee Guide is a yearly recommended pricing guide set by the Alberta Dental Association and College. It outlines fair and standardized costs for dental procedures in Alberta.

At Carrington Dental, we adhere to the Alberta Fee Guide to ensure our fees are transparent and consistent.

However, insurance companies and government programs (like CDCP or Seniors’ Benefits) will reimburse at different rates.

**Make the following an interactive table**

Alberta 2025 Fee Guide Common Procedures & Pricing

Complete Examination (Code: 01103) - $137.65

Panoramic X-ray (Code: 02601) - $106.61

Four (4) Bitewing X-rays (Code: 02144) - $105.38

Three (3) Periapical X-rays (Code: 02113)  - $81.35

Three (3) Units of Dental Scaling (Code: 11113) - $250.53

One (1) Unit of Dental Polishing (Code: 11101) - $74.40

One (1) Unit of Fluoride Application (Code: 12113) - $36.05

Dental scaling is a professional cleaning procedure where your dental hygienist removes plaque and tartar buildup from your teeth, especially along the gumline. This helps prevent:

• Gum disease (gingivitis and periodontitis)
• Tooth decay
• Bad breath
• Long-term tooth loss

Scaling is an essential part of preventive dental care. The frequency recommended depends on your oral health needs. Adults normally 4-6 months, Youth 6 months (4 months if they are in orthodontic treatment), and children 6 months.

The Alberta Seniors Benefit Plan provides dental coverage for eligible Alberta residents aged 65 and older, based on income level.

Coverage includes:

• Basic preventive care (checkups, X-rays, cleanings)
• Restorative care (fillings, extractions)
• Some coverage for dentures

Important to know:

• There are annual maximums (a set limit on how much the plan will pay every 5 years).
• Not all services are covered at 100%. Patients may still have a co-pay.
• The plan reimburses based on its own fee schedule, which may be lower than the Alberta Dental Fee Guide.

After an extraction, proper care is essential to promote healing and reduce the risk of complications:

• Bite on gauze for 30–60 minutes to control bleeding.
• Avoid rinsing, spitting, or drinking through a straw for the first 24 hours, as this can dislodge the healing clot.
• Apply ice packs to reduce swelling.
• Take prescribed medications as directed.
• Eat soft foods for the first few days (soups, yogurt, mashed potatoes).
• Avoid smoking and alcohol for at least 72 hours, as they can delay healing.
• Resume gentle brushing the next day, avoiding the extraction site.

If you experience excessive bleeding, severe pain, or signs of infection (swelling, fever, pus), contact our office immediately.

Our updated financial agreement ensures that patients understand their responsibilities before treatment begins. 

Key points include:

• We offer two (2) financial agreement options:

Option 1 - Non-assignment billing. We will send claims on your behalf and ask your benefit plan to reimburse you directly. The easiest option for patients.

Option 2 - Direct billing. We will send claims on your behalf and ask your benefits to pay our office directly. In order for us to process your claims, our office requires a valid credit card to be left on file for this option.

• As a courtesy to our patients, we will provide an estimate of treatment costs and submit this to your benefit plan on file to determine eligibility.
• We will submit claims to your benefit plan on your behalf.
• Patients are responsible for any amount not covered by their plan, including co-pays or differences between the Alberta Fee Guide and benefit plan fees.
• Payment is due at the time of service unless other arrangements have been made.

We believe in transparency and encourage patients to ask their benefit provider questions about their coverage before starting treatment.

At Carrington Dental, our responsibility is to diagnose and recommend treatment based on your oral health needs and not on what your benefit plan covers. As a patient, your responsibilities include:

• Understanding your coverage: Each plan is different, and it is important to know your limits, exclusions, and co-pay requirements. Carrington Dental staff will not assume any responsibility for understanding the benefit plan that you pay into through your employer.
• Providing accurate insurance details: So we can help you process claims efficiently.
• Following treatment recommendations: Our dentists recommend what is best for your oral health, even if it is not fully covered.

• Asking questions: We encourage open discussions so you feel confident about your care and financial commitments.

Many patients are surprised when their benefits or government (federal or provincial) plan does not cover 100% of their dental expenses. This is because:

• Insurance companies and government programs base their coverage on their own fee schedules, which are lower than the Alberta Dental Fee Guide.
• Some services are covered only up to a certain frequency (e.g., one exam or two cleanings per year).
• Certain procedures (like cosmetic dentistry) may not be covered at all.

At Carrington Dental, we always provide a treatment plan estimate and explain your dental investment costs before your procedure.

• Alberta Fee Guide: Sets standard recommended fees for dental procedures in Alberta.
• Your plan’s coverage: Pays based on its own fee schedule, which may not match the Alberta Fee Guide.

If your plan pays less than the Alberta Fee Guide amount, guests are responsible for the difference. This is a common reason patients see a co-pay even when they have coverage. 

Insider Fact: Did you know that dental offices in Alberta can set their own fees? Not every practice follows the Alberta Dental Fee Guide, but we do. That means our patients can feel confident knowing our fees are fair, consistent, and aligned with provincial standards.

The best way to know your coverage is to:

1. Review your benefit booklet or online account.
2. Call your dental benefit provider for clarification.
3. Ask us to submit a pre-authorization (estimate) before treatment.

Our team can assist you in understanding your plan, but only your benefit provider can give exact details about your coverage and limits.

Insider Fact: At Carrington Dental, our administrators aren’t just paper-pushers; they’re patient advocates. We go the extra mile by calling your benefits ahead of time to check your coverage details. Why? So you can focus on your smile, not on paperwork or surprise investment costs. It’s a step many offices skip, but we believe you deserve that peace of mind.

Fluoride treatment is a preventive service where a concentrated form of fluoride is applied to your teeth to strengthen enamel and help prevent cavities.

• It is especially important for children, seniors, and patients at higher risk of decay.
• Coverage depends on your plan. Some cover fluoride for children only, while others extend it to adults.

At Carrington Dental, we recommend fluoride treatments when clinically necessary to protect your oral health. Talk to your doctor or hygienist!

Not always. Dental X-rays are taken based on your individual needs. For routine services, adult x-ray frequency is once every twelve (12) months and for your little ones, depending on their needs. They assist in detecting problems that cannot be seen during a visual exam, such as:

• Cavities between teeth
• Infections or abscesses
• Bone loss from gum disease
• Impacted wisdom teeth

Most benefit plans cover routine X-rays every 6-12 months. Our dentists recommend X-rays only when they are clinically necessary.

Insider Fact: Deferring routine X-rays puts your health at risk. A visual exam alone can miss underlying issues that only X-rays can reveal. Without them, your providers may not be able to deliver the safest and most complete care possible

Dental sealants are thin, protective coatings applied to the chewing surfaces of back teeth to prevent cavities. They are most often recommended for children and teens.

• Many benefit plans cover sealants for children under a certain age.
• Adult sealant coverage is rare but may be partially reimbursed under preventive care.

Sealants are a safe, effective way to reduce the risk of cavities long-term.

Your first appointment will usually include:

• A full review of your medical and dental history
• A comprehensive oral exam with X-rays by the dentist
• A discussion of your oral health and personalized treatment plan
• A professional cleaning (if booked at the same time)

We invest dedicated time to answer all your questions and ensure you feel comfortable before starting treatment.

For most patients, we recommend a dental check-up and cleaning every 4-6 months. However, some people may need more frequent visits if they:

• Have gum disease
• Are prone to cavities
• Wear braces or dental appliances
• Have certain medical conditions (such as diabetes)

Regular visits help prevent problems and catch issues early, before they become more serious and costly.

We want dental care to be accessible. Our office offers:

• Direct billing to most insurance companies (when available)
• Payment by cash, debit, or credit card
• Flexible payment arrangements (interest-free) for larger treatment plans (upon approval)

Our treatment coordinator will review all costs and payment options with you before treatment begins.

Yes, in most cases, we can direct bill your benefit company for your convenience.

• If your plan allows assignment of benefits, we will submit the claim on your behalf, and you will only need to pay the uncovered portion.
• If your plan does not allow direct billing, you will pay upfront, and your benefits will reimburse you directly.

Our staff is happy to help guide you through the claims process.

If you experience a dental emergency, such as:

• Severe tooth pain
• A broken or chipped tooth
• A knocked-out tooth
• Swelling or infection in your gums or jaw

Contact Carrington Dental immediately. We prioritize emergency cases and will do our best to see you the same day as a sit-and-wait visit. Our aim for same-day visits is to get you out of discomfort and provide the next best steps for treatment. For serious swelling, fever, or difficulty breathing, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.