Keeping your smile bright and healthy starts with regular dental cleanings, and if you’re in Edmonton, that starts with Janz Family Dental. That said, when it comes to dental hygiene services in Edmonton, one of the most common questions we hear from patients is, What will my insurance actually cover? In this blog, we’ll walk you through what most plans cover, what they don’t, and how best to make your benefits work for you.
Why Dental Hygiene Matters
When it comes to dental care, preventative measures are the foundation for lifelong oral health. During your dental hygiene service in Edmonton, our specialist will:
- Scale away tartar and plaque buildup
- Polish your teeth to smooth surfaces and reduce bacterial buildup
- Apply fluoride for added enamel protection
- Perform a dental exam and x-rays as needed
- Check for early signs of decay or gum disease
With regular visits—ideally every six months—you can keep your smile bright, and catch issues early, when they’re easier and less expensive to treat.
Dental Hygiene Services in Edmonton: What’s Typically Covered
While dental insurance plans can vary, most Edmonton-area plans share some common features:
Preventative Care is a Priority
Because preventative care is the cornerstone for overall health, most plans cover these services at a high level—often up to 80-100% depending on your policy. This includes:
- Routine dental exams
- Professional dental cleanings
- Diagnostic x-rays
- Fluoride treatments
Many plans let you claim dental cleanings in Edmonton twice per year in order to align with recommended and optimal dental hygiene schedules.
Coverage Limitations & Other Services
While preventative dental care typically gets the most generous coverage, there are limitations to be aware of:
- Annual maximums: Most plans have a yearly dollar limit on what the insurer will pay. Once it’s reached, you pay out-of-pocket.
- Waiting periods: Some plans require you to wait before certain benefits kick in, especially for non-preventive services.
- Percentage breakdowns: A common structure is 100% preventive coverage, 80% basic services, and 50% major procedures—though specifics vary by insurer.
Keep in mind that dental insurance in Canada is mostly private or employer-based—provincial health plans generally do not pay for routine dental care like cleanings. In Edmonton, basic dental cleanings and checkups aren’t covered by the provincial health plan alone.
What’s Typically Not Included
Even good dental plans have exclusions. Services you shouldn’t expect your standard plan to cover include:
- Cosmetic procedures (like whitening)
- Orthodontic work
- Dental implants
- Specialized mouth guards or splints
- TMJ treatment
These exclusions are standard across most policies, so it’s a good idea to check your specific benefits before scheduling non-urgent services.
Tips to Maximize Your Dental Benefits
When it comes to dental hygiene services in Edmonton, it’s important to stretch your insurance dollars as far as possible. Try to:
- Use your benefits before the reset—typically Jan. 1.
- Book preventative dental visits early in the year to ensure you get two dental cleanings approximately six months apart.
- Ask your clinic about direct billing. Most clinics, including Janz Family Dental, offer direct billing to save you time and hassle.
- Understand your annual maximum and coverage breakdowns to avoid surprise bills.
Your Partners for Dental Hygiene Services in Edmonton
Investing in your dental hygiene isn’t just about sparkling teeth. Regular dental cleanings and routine checkups help prevent gum disease, cavities, and more costly procedures down the road. With most dental plans, you get solid coverage for cleanings and other dental hygiene services in Edmonton, meaning there’s no reason to skip out on your regular appointments.
If you’re unsure of what your insurance covers, we’re happy to help you navigate your policy and benefits. Simply bring your details to your next appointment, and our friendly staff will help you get the most out of your benefits.
Ready to book your next dental cleaning or hygiene appointment? Contact Janz Family Dental today!
