How does 123Dentist compare to independent dental clinics?

Choosing where to go for dental care is a personal decision, and many people wonder how a larger group like 123Dentist compares to an independent dental clinic. While every practice is unique, there are some consistent differences in how care is delivered, how clinics are supported, and what you can expect as a patient.

Below is a clear comparison to help you decide what’s right for you and your family.

What is 123Dentist?

123Dentist is a Canadian network of independently owned dental clinics that share centralized support, technology, and systems. Each clinic remains focused on patient care in its local community, while benefitting from group resources such as:

Administrative and operational support
Access to technology, training, and best practices
A consistent commitment to patient experience and clinical standards

This structure aims to combine the personal touch of a neighbourhood practice with the stability and resources of a larger organization.

Patient Experience and Convenience

Consistent standards across locations

With 123Dentist, you’ll generally find:

Similar standards for cleanliness, safety, and infection control
Coordinated appointment systems and reminders
A familiar experience from one location to another

Independent dental clinics can also offer excellent care, but the experience may vary more widely from one clinic to the next, depending on the owner’s systems and resources.

Scheduling and accessibility

Many 123Dentist locations offer:

Extended hours (evenings or weekends, depending on the clinic)
Online booking or digital reminders
Multiple dentists and hygienists to help reduce wait times

An independent clinic may have more limited hours or fewer providers, which can mean more personalized scheduling with a smaller team, but potentially fewer available appointment slots during peak times.

Range of Dental Services

Comprehensive care in one network

123Dentist clinics often provide a broad spectrum of services, which may include:

Preventive and family dentistry
Restorative dentistry (fillings, crowns, bridges)
Cosmetic care (whitening, veneers, Digital Smile Design where available)
Dental implants and other tooth-replacement options
Children’s dentistry
Emergency dental care

Because clinics are part of a larger network, they can more easily share knowledge about newer services and techniques—such as Digital Smile Design or different types of dental implants—where appropriate.

Independent clinics might offer a similar range, but the options can depend more heavily on the interests, training, and investment capacity of a single owner. Some independent practices are highly specialized, while others focus primarily on general dentistry.

Technology and Innovation

123Dentist-supported clinics are often able to:

Adopt newer technologies sooner (digital x-rays, intraoral scanners, digital treatment planning, etc.)
Share best practices on tools like Digital Smile Design
Stay current with continuing education via network resources

Independent clinics can also be very innovative, but investments in new technology are made by one practice alone. As a result, the pace of adopting new tools may vary significantly from clinic to clinic.

Cost, Payment, and Insurance

Fees and transparency

Dental fees in Canada are influenced by provincial fee guides and the individual clinic’s policies. Both 123Dentist clinics and independent clinics typically:

Use provincial fee guides as a reference
Provide estimates before treatment
Help you understand what your insurance may cover

Because 123Dentist clinics benefit from shared systems and processes, they may be able to offer:

Streamlined billing and insurance coordination
Standardized approaches to estimates and treatment discussions

Independent clinics may have more individualized fee policies, which can be higher, lower, or similar, depending on the dentist’s practice model and overhead.

Insurance and government programs (including the CDCP)

Many 123Dentist clinics and independent practices work with a wide range of insurance plans, and some accept government-supported programs. When it comes to the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP):

Coverage is determined by the CDCP, not by the clinic
Individual 123Dentist locations decide whether they accept CDCP patients
Independent clinics make the same decision on a practice-by-practice basis

If you’re interested in using the CDCP for your care, the best step is to contact the clinic directly and ask if they currently accept CDCP patients and what services are covered under the plan.

Personal Relationships and Continuity of Care

Getting to know your dental team

Many patients value seeing the same dentist and hygienist over time. With both 123Dentist and independent clinics, you can usually:

Request to see the same provider
Build long-term relationships with your care team
Receive ongoing guidance tailored to your dental history

At a 123Dentist location, your dentist may have the added support of a broader professional network, which can be helpful for complex cases or when a second opinion is needed.

Stability and long-term care

Because 123Dentist supports clinic operations, it may offer:

Greater practice stability if the original owner retires or moves
Smoother transitions when new dentists join the clinic

In an independent clinic, changes in ownership or retirements can sometimes feel more abrupt. That said, many independent practices are long-established and deeply rooted in their communities, offering decades of continuity.

Clinical Quality and Safety

Regardless of whether a clinic is part of 123Dentist or fully independent, all dentists must:

Meet licensing requirements and regulatory standards
Follow strict infection control and safety protocols
Maintain ongoing education and training

The key difference is that 123Dentist provides:

Centralized support for quality systems
Shared guidelines and best practices
Additional oversight for consistency

Independent clinics manage these elements on their own, which can be excellent, but will reflect the priorities and resources of a single practice owner.

Community Focus and Patient-Centred Care

123Dentist clinics are locally operated and community-based. Many:

Participate in local events and outreach
Support community programs and initiatives
Tailor their services to the specific needs of local patients

Independent clinics often do the same; the difference is that 123Dentist clinics may also benefit from group initiatives that support oral health education and community engagement across multiple locations.

How to Decide What’s Best for You

When choosing between a 123Dentist clinic and an independent dental office, consider:

Convenience: Hours, location, parking, and online booking
Services: Whether they offer the treatments you need now and might need later
Technology: Tools and techniques that matter to you (e.g., digital imaging, cosmetic planning)
Insurance and programs: Whether they work with your plan or the CDCP if applicable
Comfort and trust: How you feel with the dentist, hygienist, and front-desk team

Visiting the clinic’s website, reading patient reviews, and calling with a few questions can help you decide if a 123Dentist location—or a particular independent clinic—is the right fit.

The Bottom Line

123Dentist combines the feel of a neighbourhood dental practice with the support of a larger network, offering consistency, access to shared expertise, and the potential for advanced technology and streamlined processes. Independent dental clinics can provide excellent, highly personalized care as well, but experiences may vary more from one office to another.

The most important factor is finding a clinic where you feel heard, informed, and confident about your dental care—whether that’s with 123Dentist or with an independent dentist in your community.