Dental insurance and RAMQ in Montreal is a topic that confuses many patients. Understanding what Quebec’s public health plan covers — and what requires private insurance — can save you hundreds of dollars each year. Écodentaire Clinic helps patients navigate dental coverage options at every visit.
Does RAMQ Cover Dental Care in Quebec?
Quebec’s public health insurance plan (RAMQ) covers dental care only in very limited circumstances. Most dental treatments — including routine cleanings, fillings, and crowns — are NOT covered by RAMQ for adults.
What RAMQ Does Cover (Limited Situations)
- Children under 10: basic dental care including extractions, fillings, and urgent treatment
- Social assistance recipients: limited coverage for basic treatments
- Oral surgery in hospital: when performed under general anesthesia for medical reasons
- Dental emergencies related to accidents: some coverage when linked to trauma
What RAMQ Does NOT Cover for Adults
- Routine dental cleanings and examinations
- X-rays and periodontal treatments
- Fillings, crowns, bridges
- Orthodontics (braces, Invisalign)
- Teeth whitening and cosmetic dentistry
- Implants and dentures (with rare exceptions)
Private Dental Insurance in Quebec: What It Covers
Most Quebecers rely on private dental insurance through their employer or purchased independently. Coverage varies widely by plan, but typical packages include:
Basic Coverage (Most Plans)
- Dental exams: 80–100% covered
- Cleanings (prophylaxis): 1–2 per year, 80% covered
- X-rays: 80% covered annually
- Basic fillings (amalgam): 80% covered
- Extractions: 80% covered
Major Restorative (Better Plans)
- Composite fillings: 50–80% covered
- Crowns and bridges: 50% covered (after waiting period)
- Root canals: 50–80% covered
- Dentures: 50% covered
Orthodontics (Premium Plans)
- Braces or Invisalign: $1,000–$2,500 lifetime maximum
- Usually 50% coverage up to maximum
- Typically requires a waiting period of 12 months
Average Dental Costs in Montreal (Without Insurance)
| Treatment | Average Cost (Montreal) |
|---|---|
| Dental exam + X-rays | $100–$200 |
| Professional cleaning | $100–$250 |
| White filling (composite) | $150–$400 |
| Root canal (molar) | $900–$1,500 |
| Crown (porcelain) | $1,200–$2,000 |
| Tooth extraction | $150–$350 |
| Wisdom tooth removal | $300–$600 |
| Invisalign full treatment | $5,000–$8,000 |
How to Reduce Your Dental Costs Without Insurance
- Preventive care: regular cleanings prevent expensive treatments later
- Payment plans: Écodentaire offers flexible payment arrangements
- Tax deductions: dental expenses can be claimed on Canadian tax returns (medical expense credit)
- Student dental programs: check university clinics for reduced-cost treatments
- Comparison shopping: get quotes from multiple clinics for major treatments
Have questions about dental coverage in Montreal? Our team at Écodentaire helps you understand your insurance benefits and maximize your coverage:
📍 Écodentaire Concordia Atwater: 1801 Maisonneuve Ouest, Suite 730 — (514) 933-3641
📍 Écodentaire Outremont: 6100 Avenue du Boisé — (514) 504-6060
