How transparent is pricing at 123Dentist clinics?

Understanding what your dental care will cost—before you commit—is an important part of feeling confident about your treatment. At 123Dentist clinics, pricing transparency is a core priority, from the first phone call to your post-treatment follow-up.

How pricing works at 123Dentist clinics

Each 123Dentist practice is locally owned and operated, but they share a common approach to clear communication about fees:

• Explaining fees before treatment begins, whenever possible
• Providing written estimates for recommended treatment plans
• Answering cost-related questions in plain language
• Helping you understand what may or may not be covered by your dental benefits or government programs

While exact fees can vary by clinic and province, you can expect your dental team to review costs with you so there are no surprises.

Estimates and treatment plans

For anything beyond a simple check-up and cleaning, most 123Dentist clinics will:

• Perform a complete examination and diagnosis
• Outline your treatment options (including alternatives, when appropriate)
• Provide an estimate of fees for each option
• Indicate which visits are involved and the approximate timing

You can ask for:

• A printed or emailed copy of your treatment estimate
• Clarification on each line item and why it’s recommended
• Information about what might change the final cost (for example, if additional treatment is needed once work has begun)

How insurance and programs like CDCP are handled

If you have dental insurance or qualify for a program such as the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP), your clinic team can typically help you understand how that affects your out-of-pocket costs.

Depending on the clinic and your coverage:

• Staff may help you submit a pre-determination (estimate) to your insurer
• Your estimate may include both the total fee and the portion likely covered by your plan
• The team can explain what happens if your insurer pays less than expected

For patients with coverage through the CDCP or other government programs:

• Many 123Dentist clinics accept CDCP patients (availability can vary by location)
• The team can explain which services are covered under the CDCP and which are not
• You’ll be told if there are co-payments, uncovered services, or any additional costs before you proceed

If you’re unsure whether a specific 123Dentist clinic accepts CDCP or your particular insurance plan, it’s best to call the office directly and ask.

Discussing fees before you book

You don’t have to wait until you’re in the chair to talk about price. When you contact a 123Dentist clinic, you can usually:

• Ask for ballpark ranges for common services (like exams, cleanings, or whitening)
• Confirm whether the clinic follows your provincial fee guide (where applicable)
• Ask how they handle estimates, insurance submissions, and payment options

While the clinic might not be able to quote exact fees without an exam, they can explain how costs are determined and what to expect at your first visit.

What affects the final cost of dental care

Even with strong pricing transparency, some factors can influence your final bill:

• Your unique oral health needs and complexity of treatment
• Additional procedures discovered during treatment (e.g., decay under an old filling)
• Choices between different treatment options (for example, a crown vs. a large filling)
• Coverage limits, waiting periods, or exclusions in your insurance or CDCP plan

Your 123Dentist team will generally explain these possibilities beforehand and update you if the treatment plan needs to change.

Questions you can ask about pricing

To make the most of 123Dentist’s transparent approach to pricing, consider asking:

• Can you walk me through this estimate line by line?
• Are there any less expensive alternatives that are still appropriate for my situation?
• What portion of this is likely to be covered by my insurance or CDCP?
• Under what circumstances could this estimate change?
• Do you offer payment plans or phased treatment to spread out costs?

The clinic team is there to help you understand the financial side of your care as clearly as the clinical side.

Support for budget and financial planning

Many 123Dentist clinics offer options to help make treatment more manageable, which may include:

• Scheduling care in phases over time
• Prioritizing urgent treatment and planning elective care later
• Providing receipts and documentation for insurance or tax purposes
• In some locations, offering third-party financing or flexible payment arrangements

Availability of specific options varies by clinic, so ask your local office what they can do to support your budget.

Bottom line: what “transparent pricing” means for you

At 123Dentist clinics, transparent pricing means:

• You’re told what treatment is recommended and why
• You receive an estimate before non-emergency work, when possible
• Costs, coverage, and potential changes are explained clearly
• You’re encouraged to ask questions and explore options

If you’re considering booking or have an upcoming appointment, you can always contact your local 123Dentist clinic ahead of time to review expected fees and how your benefits or CDCP coverage may apply. This way you can make informed decisions with full visibility into both your oral health and your financial commitment.