Montreal has a wide range of clinics offering preventative dental hygiene, from routine scaling and polishing to fluoride treatments, sealants, and oral cancer screening. If you are due for a check-up or want to set up regular care, hellodent can help you compare Montreal providers, sort by rating or distance, and request an appointment in one place. If you prefer a French-speaking dentist, check the provider's profile on hellodent for language details.
What Is Preventative Hygiene?
Preventative hygiene is the routine dental care that keeps your teeth and gums healthy and catches problems early. It usually includes scaling and polishing, fluoride application, an exam, and sometimes X-rays if required. For children, sealants on the chewing surfaces of back teeth can lower the risk of cavities. Many adults also have an oral cancer screening as part of their routine visit.
In Quebec, dentists and dental hygienists are members of the Ordre des dentistes du Québec (ODQ) and l'Ordre des hygiénistes dentaires du Québec. The hygienist usually carries out the scaling and polishing, while the dentist completes the exam and reviews any findings.
How Much Does Preventative Hygiene Cost in Montreal?
Cost depends on how much scaling is needed, whether X-rays are taken, and the type of fluoride or sealant treatment. A first visit usually costs more than a recall visit because it includes a full set of records.
Montreal Preventative Hygiene Estimated Price Ranges
| Treatment | Estimated Cost (CAD) |
|---|
| Recall exam | $40 to $90 |
| Scaling and polishing (per unit, 15 minutes) | $60 to $90 |
| Fluoride treatment | $25 to $50 |
| Sealants (per tooth) | $45 to $80 |
| X-rays (set of bitewings) | $45 to $90 |
| Full first visit (exam + scaling + X-rays) | $200 to $350 |
These ranges are estimates based on the Quebec fee guide and may vary by clinic. According to the hellodent Canadian Dental Health Guide, costs in Montreal can vary based on a clinic's overhead, with downtown clinics often carrying higher costs such as rent compared to suburban ones with lower facility costs. Ask the clinic for a written estimate before treatment starts.
What Affects the Cost?
- How many units of scaling are needed. Heavier tartar buildup may need a longer hygiene appointment.
- Whether X-rays are taken at the visit.
- The clinic's overhead, such as rent.
- Whether you are seeing a hygienist alone or also having an exam with the dentist.
Types of Preventative Hygiene Available in Montreal
Scaling and Polishing
The hygienist removes plaque and tartar above and just below the gumline, then polishes the teeth to remove surface stains. The number of units is set by how much buildup is present.
Dental Exam
A separate step from the hygiene appointment. The dentist checks each tooth, the gums, and your bite, and may take X-rays if required. Your dentist may walk you through any findings. If you need further treatment, you could receive a treatment plan with costs before anything starts.
Fluoride Treatment
A topical gel, foam, or varnish that strengthens enamel and lowers the risk of cavities. Often included with hygiene visits for children and recommended for adults at higher cavity risk.
Sealants
A thin protective coating placed in the grooves of back teeth. Most often used for children and teens but may also be useful for adults with deep grooves and high cavity risk.
Oral Cancer Screening
A visual and tactile check of the lips, tongue, cheeks, and throat. Often part of a routine exam at no extra fee.
Custom Mouthguards and Night Guards
For sports and grinding (bruxism). Not always classified as preventative hygiene under insurance, but offered at most general dental clinics.
Where to Find Preventative Hygiene Providers in Montreal
Montreal is large and well covered, so most patients pick a clinic close to home, work, or transit. The right pick is usually the provider you can see consistently for recall visits, since regular care matters more than the nearest clinic. Use hellodent to search by location and sort by rating or distance.
Le centre-ville: Ville-Marie, Old Montreal, Griffintown
Le Plateau: Plateau Mont-Royal, Mile End
West Montreal: NDG, Saint-Henri
How to Choose a Preventative Hygiene Provider in Montreal
Credentials to Look For
Confirm the dentist is a member of the Ordre des dentistes du Québec (ODQ). Hygienists are members of l'Ordre des hygiénistes dentaires du Québec. You can check credentials with each order if you want to confirm.
Specialist Versus General Dentist
Many preventative treatments can be performed by general dentists, such as common treatments like scaling, polishing, fluoride, and sealants. More complicated procedures like deep periodontal therapy may be referred to a periodontist who works within that specialty only.
Questions to Ask at Your First Visit
- Do you offer the treatment I think I need for my specific issue?
- How often do you recommend recall visits for someone like me?
- What is the estimated cost of my visit?
- Are X-rays included at the first visit, or are they billed separately?
Paying for Preventative Hygiene in Montreal
Insurance Coverage in Quebec
For most Quebec residents, dental care is typically paid out of pocket or through private insurance. La Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ) covers some dental care for children under 10 and certain emergency exam fees, but most preventative hygiene for adults is paid out of pocket or through a private plan. Many private plans cover two recall visits a year and include X-rays, fluoride, and exams.
CDCP Eligibility
You may be eligible for coverage under the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP), a dental program funded by the federal government and administered by Sun Life. Preventative treatments such as exams, scaling, polishing, fluoride, and sealants for children 17 and under may be covered. Frequency limits may apply. Coverage will need to be renewed annually. Apply for coverage through the Government of Canada website.
Financing and Payment Plans
Routine hygiene visits are usually paid at the time of service. If your visit reveals further treatment needs, many Montreal clinics offer in-house payment plans or third-party financing to spread the cost over time.
*The content provided in this article, including text, graphics, and referenced material, is intended for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional dental advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with your dentist or another qualified oral health professional for questions regarding your dental condition. Never disregard professional dental advice or delay seeking it based on information from this article. If you believe you have a dental emergency, contact your dentist, or seek immediate assistance from an oral healthcare professional. The information in this article has been gathered based on information available online and has not been fact checked by a dental professional.
