Dental coverage by the RAMQ
Health Care Service: private or public
In Quebec, our healthcare system covers dental expenses for a fraction of the population only. For them, treatments are reimbursed to the dentist by the Régie de l’assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ). Note that not ALL procedures are covered and that not ALL plan members can benefit from this coverage.
Who can benefit from the RAMQ dental coverage?
- Children 9 years old and under, who own a Québec Health Insurance Card;
- People on welfare benefits who own a valid dental health claim slip;
- Children between the ages of 10 and 17 living under the financial responsibility of parents on welfare benefits who own a valid dental health claim slip.
Consult the Régie de l’assurance maladie du Québec’s brochure.
Treatments covered by the RAMQ
Most essential dental treatments are covered by the RAMQ for eligible individuals. However, white fillings are not covered by the government if the tooth’s surface is not visible.
Your dentist will always notify you of the costs before proceeding to the treatment.
Which treatments are covered by the RAMQ?
- One annual examination;
- Emergency examinations;
- X-rays;
- Local and general anesthesia;
- Grey amalgam fillings on the posterior teeth;
- Fillings using aesthetic materials (white fillings) for anterior teeth;
- Prefabricated crowns;
- Sedative dressings (temporary fillings which help reduce pain);
- Endodontics (root canal treatment, apexification, pulpectomy, pulpotomy, and emergency opening of the pulp chamber);
- Tooth and root extractions;
- Oral surgeries are covered for all.
CAUTION: The costs of cleaning, scaling and fluoride application ARE NOT covered by the plan for children below the age of 10.
Learn more about the treatment coverage of the Régie d’assurance maladie du Québec and about the possible alternative solutions.
A particularity for First Nations and Inuits
Members of the First Nations and Inuit communities may be eligible for governmental dental health coverage via the Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB) program. The patient must provide evidence that he or she is:
- A First Nations person who is registered under the Indian Act;
- An Inuk recognized by an Inuit land claim organization or;
- A child less than one year old whose parent is eligible.
It is crucial to ensure that the dentist participates in the NIHB program because their participation is on a voluntary basis. It is therefore important to inquire before making an appointment. Simply ask if the dentist accepts reimbursement by the NIHB.