How to Choose the Right Dentist in Canada
Picking a dentist is a big decision. You want someone qualified, honest, and easy to talk to. This guide walks you through the most important steps—licensing, experience, reviews, location, tech, costs, and comfort—so you can feel confident about your choice.
What is the best way to choose the right dentist in Canada?
Verify the dentist’s licence with your provincial regulator. Match services and experience to your needs. Compare reviews, hours, location, tech, and fees. Visit for a consultation to test communication, comfort, insurance fit, and emergency access before deciding for your family.
Start with your needs
Make a simple list: routine checkups and cleanings, or a specific treatment you know you’ll need? Some care is handled by general dentists. Other care may be better with a specialist—like braces (orthodontist), gum treatment (periodontist), root canals (endodontist), or implants and complex restorations (prosthodontist). If you want a deeper checklist, see this comprehensive guide to choosing a dentist.
Verify credentials and licensure
In Canada, all dentists must be licensed by a provincial or territorial regulator. Before you book, check the public register to confirm the dentist is licensed and in good standing.
Where to verify a licence
Each province and territory has an online public register (for example, Ontario’s Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario, or your province’s dental college). Search by name to see licence status and any specialty listing.
What to look for
- Active licence and good standing
- Education and any specialty certification
- Continuing education (proof they keep skills current)
“The frequency of your regular dental visits should be determined by your dentist to meet your specific oral health needs.” — Canadian Dental Association
Experience and when a specialist helps
Ask how often the dentist performs the procedures you may need. General dentists do checkups, cleanings, fillings, and simple extractions daily. For complex needs, a referral to a specialist can improve results and shorten treatment time. Good dentists are open about when a specialist is the best option.
Reviews, reputation, and communication style
Read recent reviews on Google and other platforms. Don’t focus on one comment—look for patterns: clear explanations, respectful staff, reasonable wait times, fair billing, and follow-up care. During your first call, notice how the team communicates. Do they explain next steps in plain language? Do they offer to email estimates or confirm your benefits?
Location, hours, and emergency availability
Convenience matters. You’re more likely to keep appointments if the office is easy to reach and offers times that work for you.
- Close to home, work, or school
- Evening or weekend appointments
- Same-day urgent care, after-hours instructions, and on-call support
If you’re in the GTA and comparing options, browse the best dental clinics in Toronto to see differences in services, location, and technology.
Office cleanliness and modern technology
Modern tools can make visits safer, faster, and more comfortable. During a visit, look for:
- Clean, organized rooms and proper sterilization habits
- Digital X-rays (lower radiation and instant images compared with traditional film)
- Intraoral cameras so you can see what your dentist sees
- 3D imaging for implants or complex cases, and lasers for gentle soft-tissue care when appropriate
Technology should help you understand your choices. It shouldn’t feel overwhelming.
Insurance, fees, and payment options
Ask which insurance plans they accept and whether they offer direct billing. Many clinics use provincial fee guides as a reference, but fees can still vary. If you don’t have coverage, ask about estimates, payment plans, and financing. Request itemized options with pros, cons, costs, and timelines before you decide.
Book a consultation: comfort and trust
A short visit tells you a lot. Notice whether the dentist listens, explains options in plain English, and checks your understanding. Ask about the plan if you need urgent care in the future. You should feel heard and never rushed.
If you have dental anxiety
Tell the team early. Ask about comfort options like noise-cancelling headphones, longer appointments, breaks, or sedation (nitrous oxide or oral sedation when appropriate). A supportive approach can turn a stressful visit into a calm one.
Family-friendly services
If you’re choosing for a household, check that the clinic sees children, teens, adults, and seniors. Ask about age-appropriate care, fluoride, sealants for kids, braces or aligners for teens, and care for seniors, like dry mouth support or denture help.
Switching dentists and transferring records
If you decide to switch, call the new clinic first. They’ll help you transfer X‑rays and records with your consent. Most provinces allow copies or transfers on request. For more help comparing providers, read these tips for finding a new dentist.
General dentist or specialist: what’s the difference?
Most routine care (checkups, cleanings, fillings, simple extractions) is done by a general dentist. For complex care, your dentist may refer you to a specialist:
- Orthodontist: braces or clear aligners
- Periodontist: gum disease, grafts, implants
- Endodontist: root canals and tooth pain diagnosis
- Prosthodontist: implants, crowns, bridges, dentures
A team approach can mean faster, safer care and better long-term results.
Quick checklist before you choose
- Licence verified with your provincial dental regulator
- Experience with the services you need
- Clear reviews about communication and billing
- Convenient hours, emergency support, and easy booking
- Clean office and helpful technology
- Transparent estimates and payment options
- Comfortable consultation where your questions are welcomed
For a deeper dive on narrowing your list, see our comprehensive guide to choosing a dentist.
Conclusion
Finding the right dentist isn’t luck. Verify the licence, match services to your needs, read reviews, and consider location and hours. Look for clean, modern equipment. Confirm costs and insurance. Then visit for a consultation to test comfort and trust. The right fit makes ongoing care simpler and less stressful for years to come.
FAQ
How often should I go to the dentist?
Many people do well with a checkup and cleaning every six months. Your dentist may suggest more or fewer visits based on your risk for cavities, gum disease, dry mouth, braces, smoking, or health conditions like diabetes.
How do I verify a dentist’s licence in Canada?
Use your province or territory’s dental regulator’s public register (for example, in Ontario, the Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario). Search the dentist’s name to confirm licence status, any specialty, and practice limits.
What if I have dental anxiety?
Tell the team before your visit. Ask about comfort options like breaks, step‑by‑step explanations, music, or sedation (nitrous oxide or oral sedatives when appropriate). A calm, patient approach helps most people feel in control.
Should I choose a general dentist or a specialist?
For routine care, a general dentist is ideal. For complex needs, a specialist may help: orthodontist (braces/aligners), periodontist (gum care), endodontist (root canals), or prosthodontist (implants and complex restorations). Your general dentist can coordinate referrals.
What questions should I ask at my first consultation?
Try these: What are my options, timelines, and costs? What are the benefits and risks? Are there alternatives? How long will results last? How does my insurance apply? What’s the plan if I need urgent care?
How do I decide between similar clinics?
Compare how clearly each clinic explains your choices, the cleanliness and technology, ease of booking, and how transparent they are with fees and insurance estimates. If you’re moving or starting fresh, review these tips for finding a new dentist. If you live in the GTA, you can also compare the best dental clinics in Toronto. For a full checklist, see our comprehensive guide to choosing a dentist.
