2026 BCDA Fee Guide & Dental Costs in Vancouver
Understand what your dental fees include. At Coastal City Dunsmuir Dental Centre, we follow the current BCDA general practitioner suggested fees where a fee is listed, with individual estimates for procedures marked Independent Consideration. Explore examination and cleaning examples below.
Fee reference: 2026. All amounts are in Canadian dollars.
We follow the current BCDA general practitioner suggested fees where listed. Our examination and X-ray example is $322.70; the separate cleaning example is $254.50–$315.00. Services depend on your individual needs. Independent Consideration fees and applicable laboratory charges are estimated separately.
What is the BCDA fee guide?
The BCDA Suggested Fee Guide is an annual reference that lists dental procedure codes, descriptions and suggested fees for dental services in British Columbia. A procedure code identifies a particular service on an estimate, invoice or insurance claim.
The guide is a suggested fee reference, not a mandatory price list or an insurance policy. Dentists set their own fees, and insurance companies determine benefits under each patient’s plan. Following the guide does not mean that every service will be fully covered by insurance.
Does our dental office follow the BCDA fee guide?
Yes. We currently charge the 2026 BCDA general practitioner suggested fees for procedures that have a listed suggested fee. There are two important details to understand:
Procedures marked I.C. — Independent Consideration
Some procedures do not have a fixed suggested fee in the guide. Instead, they are marked I.C., meaning Independent Consideration. For these services, we determine the fee individually and provide an estimate for your proposed care.
Separate laboratory charges
Some services, such as crowns, bridges, dentures and nightguards, involve laboratory work. Where the procedure has a separate laboratory charge, that charge is added to the professional treatment fee and included in your estimate.
One course of treatment may involve several procedure codes. When comparing estimates, check which services and laboratory charges are included.
How much does a new-patient exam and X-rays cost?
$322.70
Example fee for a complete new-patient examination with the X-rays listed below. Cleaning is separate.
Your first examination helps us understand your oral health, concerns and treatment needs. The following example shows how the examination and imaging fees add up. Use the procedure codes to compare the same services on different estimates.
| Service | BCDA code | Office fee |
|---|---|---|
| Complete permanent-dentition examination | 01103 | $150.00 |
| Panoramic X-ray | 02601 | $89.90 |
| Two periapical X-rays | 02112 | $32.50 |
| Four bitewing X-rays | 02144 | $50.30 |
| Example examination and X-ray total | $322.70 | |
This is an example, rather than a fixed package for every patient. Your dentist recommends imaging based on your individual needs and any suitable previous X-rays. The examination or imaging required may differ, so your actual total may change. Additional services are not included in this example.
A panoramic image gives a broad view of the teeth and jaws. Bitewing images help assess areas between the back teeth, while periapical images show individual teeth and their roots. You do not automatically need every type of image at every visit.
Learn about your first visit, or ask our team for an estimate for your appointment.
How much does a dental cleaning cost?
$254.50–$315.00
Illustrative cleaning fee for the combination of services below. Examination and X-rays are separate.
Cleaning costs vary with the time and services needed to care for your teeth and gums. This example includes two units of scaling plus one–two units of root planing, polishing and fluoride varnish.
| Service | BCDA code | Office fee |
|---|---|---|
| Scaling — two units | 11112 | $121.00 |
| Root planing — one–two units | 43421 / 43422 (one unit / two units) | $60.50–$121.00 |
| Polishing | 11101 | $48.40 |
| Fluoride varnish | 12113 | $24.60 |
| Example cleaning total | $254.50–$315.00 | |
For root planing, code 43421 is one unit ($60.50); code 43422 is two units ($121.00). These are alternatives, not two charges added together.
Why can cleaning fees vary?
Scaling removes plaque and hardened deposits from teeth. Root planing addresses deposits on root surfaces where clinically needed. More buildup or more involved gum care can require additional treatment time. Polishing and fluoride are separate services provided when appropriate.
For time-based services in the BCDA guide, one unit is 15 minutes. Units refer to the treatment time for that service, rather than the full appointment length.
The range above applies only to the listed example. Not every patient needs root planing or every listed service; others may require more treatment. Your cleaning may cost less or more depending on the care provided.
What affects the cost of fillings, crowns and other dental treatment?
The fee guide helps identify the services involved, but a treatment name alone does not always describe the full cost. For example:
- Fillings: the tooth, material and number of surfaces being restored affect the procedure code.
- Root canal treatment: the tooth, number of canals and treatment complexity can affect the estimate. A final filling or crown may be separate.
- Crowns, bridges and dentures: estimates can include professional fees, laboratory charges and other required care.
- Extractions: a straightforward extraction and a surgical extraction involve different procedures.
- Implants and cosmetic treatment: the steps and components depend on the treatment plan; some fees may require Independent Consideration.
Ask for an estimate that identifies the recommended treatment, what is included, any alternatives and your expected portion. We can explain the codes and charges in patient-friendly terms.
Insurance, CDCP and payment options
We accept direct payment from most private insurers and welcome CDCP patients. Coverage does not necessarily pay your full fee. Interest-free payment plans are available for treatments with a patient portion over $500.
Understand how payment works
Find our direct-billing and non-assignment policies, benefit estimates, payment-plan details and options without insurance.
Explore insurance and payment optionsDownload the 2026 BCDA fee guide
The official abbreviated patient guide lists selected common dental procedures and suggested fees. It is a reference rather than a personalized treatment estimate.
The BCDA publishes the guide. Coastal City Dunsmuir Dental Centre is an independent dental practice; this page explains our fees and policies.
Official sources
Frequently Asked Questions
Are dentists in BC required to follow the fee guide?
No. It provides suggested fees rather than mandatory prices. Dentists determine their own fees. Our practice follows listed general practitioner suggested fees, with individually estimated fees for Independent Consideration services and separate laboratory charges where applicable.
Does the exam and X-ray example include cleaning?
No. The $322.70 examination and X-ray example and the $254.50–$315.00 cleaning example are separate. Your actual services and total depend on your individual needs.
Do I need every X-ray listed in the example?
Not necessarily. Your dentist determines which images are appropriate, taking account of your oral health and any suitable previous X-rays.
Why might my cleaning cost less or more?
The published example includes two units of scaling plus one–two units of root planing, polishing and fluoride varnish. You may need fewer, different or additional services. Fees depend on the care provided.
Does following the BCDA guide mean insurance pays the entire bill?
No. Your insurer determines benefits under your plan, which may use a different fee schedule or impose limits. Visit our insurance and payment page for details.
How can I compare dental treatment estimates?
Compare the same procedures, included services, time units and laboratory charges. Ask each office to explain the total and any services that may be additional.
Questions about your next visit?
Our team can help explain your estimated fees and payment options. Contact Coastal City Dunsmuir Dental Centre before your appointment so we can discuss what you need.
Suite 290, 885 Dunsmuir Street, Vancouver, BC V6C 1N5