Dental Costs in British Columbia (2026)
Under the BCDA 2026 Suggested Fee Guide, a recall exam costs $62.60, a molar root canal $1,196, and a ceramic crown $1,104 + lab. Dentures and implants are not in the public guide — estimates range from $1,000–$3,000* per arch (denture) and $3,000–$5,500* (implant). Many Metro Vancouver practices bill above guide.
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BC CDCP Out-of-Pocket Calculator
Income tier × procedure — 2026 BCDA guide figures in CAD
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* Estimates based on 2025–2026 provincial suggested-fee guides (CAD). Actual costs vary by province and provider; figures flagged as estimates are modelled.
The CDCP pays its own established fee — often below the BCDA guide price. If your BC dentist bills above the CDCP rate, you owe the balance even at the under-$70,000 (100%) income tier.
Dental costs in BC by procedure (2026)
* = estimate; not in BCDA abbreviated guide. Official figures: exam, filling, extraction, root canal, crown. Source: Real Dental Costs analysis of BCDA 2026 guide.
| Procedure | British Columbia (CAD) | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Recall exam | $63 | $58 | +$5 |
| Scaling (per unit) | $60* | $65 | –$5 |
| Composite filling (1 surface) | $220 | $205 | +$15 |
| Simple extraction | $185 | $174 | +$11 |
| Root canal (molar) | $1,196 | $1,194 | +$2 |
| Complete denture (per arch) | $2,000* | $1,140 | +$860 |
| Cast partial denture | $1,450* | $1,210 | +$240 |
| Ceramic crown | $1,104 | $1,065 | +$39 |
| Single implant (full) | $4,250* | $4,475 | –$225 |
BC figures marked * are estimates — not in the public BCDA 2026 abbreviated guide.
About the BCDA Suggested Fee Guide
The British Columbia Dental Association Suggested Fee Guide is published annually and is publicly available. The 2026 edition rose approximately 3.27% above 2025. Key facts:
- Exam, filling, extraction, root canal and crown are listed at specific verbatim code-level prices in the public abbreviated guide.
- Dentures (complete and partial) and implants are not listed in the abbreviated version — those figures on this page are market estimates.
- The guide is suggested, not mandatory — Metro Vancouver and Victoria practices frequently bill 10–20% above guide due to high overhead.
What the CDCP covers in BC
For eligible BC residents with net family income under $90,000:
- No pre-authorization: recall exams, scaling, composite fillings, simple extractions, standard root canals.
- Pre-authorization required: ceramic crowns, cast partial dentures.
- Excluded entirely: implants, implant-supported crowns, bone grafts.
Income tiers: under $70,000 = 100% of CDCP fee; $70,000–$79,999 = 60%; $80,000–$89,999 = 40%.
Why dental prices vary within BC
- Metro Vancouver overhead: among the highest in Canada; many practices bill above the BCDA guide.
- Rural BC: typically bills at or below the BCDA guide — Kelowna, Prince George and smaller communities often run more competitive pricing.
- Specialist vs. general: periodontists and oral surgeons use specialist fee guides not covered here.
Explore neighboring provinces
- Dental Costs in Alberta — ADA 2026, scaling $87/unit (highest in Canada)
- Dental Costs in Manitoba — MDA 2026, most fees estimated
See the full dental cost by province comparison or the CDCP coverage guide.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a dentist cost in BC?
What is the BCDA fee guide?
Does the CDCP cover dental in British Columbia?
Why do some BC dentists charge above the fee guide?
What procedures are not in the BCDA abbreviated guide?
Independent dental pricing research — figures verified against provincial suggested-fee guides (ODA, ACDQ, BCDA, etc.) and the CDCP coverage rules published on canada.ca. Pricing/market research, not medical or dental advice.