What Is Direct Billing?
Direct billing means we submit your dental claim directly to your insurance provider on your behalf. Instead of paying the full amount upfront and waiting to be reimbursed, you simply pay any portion your plan doesn’t cover at the time of your visit.
It’s a small thing that makes a real difference. It saves you the paperwork, the upfront cost, and the wait, so you can focus on your dental care rather than the billing.
Direct Billing to Most Insurance Providers
We offer direct billing to most major dental insurance providers. Coverage details vary from plan to plan, so the simplest way to confirm how your specific plan works with us is to bring your insurance information to your appointment, or give us a call ahead of time. Our team will help you understand what’s covered and what to expect.
If your provider doesn’t allow direct billing, we’ll still provide everything you need to submit your own claim easily.
How Direct Billing Works at Our Clinic
Step 1
Let us know you have insurance when you book, and bring your plan details to your visit.
Step 2
We verify your coverage and, where possible, estimate what your plan will cover before treatment.
Step 3
After your appointment, we submit the claim to your provider directly.
Step 4
You pay only the portion your plan doesn't cover, if any.
For major treatments, we can often submit a predetermination to your insurer first, so you know what’s covered before you go ahead. This helps avoid surprises on larger procedures.
The Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP)
Shaughnessy Square Dental Centre is a participating provider for the Canadian Dental Care Plan, a federal program that helps make dental care more affordable for eligible Canadians without private insurance. If you have CDCP coverage, we can submit your claims to Sun Life directly for covered services.
The CDCP works a little differently from private insurance, and coverage depends on your eligibility and income. We’ve put together a dedicated page explaining how it works at our clinic.
Understanding Your Coverage
Dental plans vary widely in what they cover and by how much. Most plans cover a good portion of preventive care like exams and cleanings, and often cover part of restorative treatments such as fillings, crowns, and root canals. Major and cosmetic treatments are covered less often, or not at all.
A few things are worth knowing:
- Many plans have an annual maximum, a cap on what they’ll pay in a year
- Some treatments may require preapproval from your insurer
- Coverage percentages differ between preventive, basic, and major treatments
- Cosmetic treatments are usually not covered
We’ll always help you understand your specific plan, but your insurer is the final authority on what your policy includes.
What If I Don't Have Insurance?
If you don’t have dental insurance, you’re just as welcome here. We’ll always explain the cost of any recommended treatment clearly and upfront, so you can make informed decisions about your care. If you’re eligible for the Canadian Dental Care Plan, that may be an option worth exploring, and we’re happy to help you understand it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you offer direct billing?
Yes. We offer direct billing to most major insurance providers, which means we submit your claim for you and you pay only your portion at your appointment.
Which insurance providers do you bill directly?
We bill most major dental insurance providers directly. Coverage varies by plan, so bring your insurance details to your visit or call us ahead of time and we’ll confirm how your plan works with us.
Do you accept the Canadian Dental Care Plan?
Yes. We’re a participating CDCP provider and can submit your claims to Sun Life directly for covered services. You can read more on our CDCP page.
How do I know what my plan covers?
Coverage varies by plan, and your insurer is the final authority. We’ll help you understand your benefits and can often submit a predetermination for larger treatments so you know what’s covered beforehand.
What if my insurance doesn't cover the full cost?
You’ll be responsible for any portion your plan doesn’t cover. We’ll always explain expected costs clearly before treatment so there are no surprises.
Can I still come if I don't have insurance?
Absolutely. We welcome patients with and without insurance, and we’ll always be upfront about the cost of any recommended treatment.
Simple Billing, Straightforward Care
Let us take the hassle out of dental insurance. Request an appointment at Shaughnessy Square Dental Centre and bring your coverage details, and we’ll handle the rest. We’re here Monday through Saturday.