How much does a dental cleaning cost in Markham?

A routine dental cleaning is one of the most common dental procedures and one of the most searched for. Whether you are a new patient trying to understand what you will pay, or a current patient wondering whether your insurance covers the full cost, this guide gives you clear, honest answers.

Markham Smile Centre provides comprehensive dental cleaning services in Markham , Ontario. This article breaks down the costs of regular, deep, and child cleanings, with and without insurance, so you can walk in knowing exactly what to expect.

Key takeaways

• A standard adult dental cleaning in Ontario typically costs $150–$350 without insurance, depending on the clinic and whether X-rays are included.
• Most private dental insurance plans cover dental cleanings 100% or at 80–90%, depending on your plan.
• The Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) covers preventive cleanings for eligible patients. Markham Smile Centre accepts CDCP and offers direct billing.
• A deep cleaning (scaling and root planing) typically costs $200–$500 per quadrant because it is a therapeutic procedure rather than a routine one.
• Child dental cleanings are covered under the Ontario Seniors Dental Care Program for eligible families, and under CDCP for qualifying children.
• Markham Smile Centre offers direct billing to most major insurers. You do not need to pay up front and wait for reimbursement.
• If you have no insurance, flexible payment plans are available.

What is a dental cleaning, and what does it include?

A dental cleaning, formally called a prophylaxis, is a preventive procedure performed by a dental hygienist. Most adults should have a cleaning every six months, although your dentist may recommend a different schedule based on your individual oral health.

What is included in a standard dental cleaning?

• Removal of plaque (soft deposits) and calculus (hardened tartar) from the tooth surfaces and below the gumline
• Polishing with a prophy paste to remove surface stains
• Flossing between all teeth
• Fluoride treatment (optional, may be an additional fee)
• Oral cancer screening (typically included in a comprehensive exam at the same visit)

A routine cleaning is a preventive service. It is fundamentally different from a deep cleaning (scaling and root planing), which is a therapeutic treatment for gum disease. If your hygienist recommends a deep cleaning, it means your gums have signs of periodontal disease that require a more intensive approach. See our article on what to expect during scaling and root planing for a full explanation of the procedure and recovery.

Dental cleaning costs in Markham at a glance

Service	Typical cost (no insurance)	With private insurance	With CDCP
Standard adult cleaning (prophylaxis)	$150 – $350	Often $0–$70 (plan-dependent)	Covered for eligible patients
Child cleaning (under 18)	$80 – $180	Often $0–$36 (plan-dependent)	Covered for eligible patients
Deep cleaning/scaling & root planing (per quadrant)	$200 – $500+	Partial coverage — varies by plan	Partial coverage for eligible patients
Full-mouth debridement (initial heavy tartar)	$150 – $300	Partial coverage — varies by plan	Partial coverage
X-rays (bitewing, if required at the same visit)	$50 – $150	Often covered under diagnostic benefit	Covered for eligible patients
Fluoride treatment (adults)	$30 – $60	Not always covered — check your plan	Limited coverage

Note: All fees listed are approximate and based on the current Ontario Dental Association (ODA) fee guide. Your actual cost will depend on your specific treatment needs, the time required, and your insurance coverage. Call us for a precise estimate before your appointment.

Does dental insurance cover teeth cleaning in Markham?

For most patients with private dental insurance, a routine cleaning is either fully covered or covered at 80–100%. Here is how the main coverage types work in Ontario in 2025–2026.

Private dental insurance

Most employer-sponsored dental benefit plans (Sun Life, Manulife, Great-West Life, Green Shield, and others) include preventive benefits that cover routine cleanings every six months. Coverage is typically 80–100% of the ODA fee guide, meaning most patients pay little to nothing for a standard cleaning.

Markham Smile Centre offers direct billing to all major insurers you will not need to pay the full amount upfront. Bring your insurance card, and we will verify your coverage before your appointment.

The Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP)

The federal Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) covers preventive dental services, including cleanings, for eligible Canadians without private dental insurance whose household income falls below the eligibility threshold. Markham Smile Centre is a CDCP-accepting dentist in Markham and offers direct billing through the program.

If you are unsure whether you qualify for CDCP, call our office, and we can help you check your eligibility before your appointment.

OHIP and dental cleanings

OHIP (Ontario Health Insurance Plan) does not cover routine dental cleanings or any dental treatment performed in a dental office. This applies regardless of age or income. The only dental procedures OHIP covers are those performed in a hospital setting for medically necessary reasons (for example, oral surgery related to a jaw fracture or systemic condition).

No insurance? Payment plans are available

If you do not have dental insurance, Markham Smile Centre offers flexible dental financing options to help spread the cost of your treatment. We believe that cost should not be a barrier to preventive care. A cleaning today is always less expensive than the restorative treatment needed if problems are left to develop.

Insurance coverage summary for dental cleanings — Ontario 2025

Coverage type	Cleaning covered?	Frequency	Direct billing at Markham Smile Centre?
Private insurance (Sun Life, Manulife, etc.)	Yes — 80–100% typically	Every 6 months (plan-dependent)	Yes
CDCP (Canadian Dental Care Plan)	Yes — for eligible patients	As per the CDCP schedule	Yes
OHIP	No	N/A	N/A
No insurance	Full cost out-of-pocket	N/A	Payment plans available

"Preventive care is always the most cost-effective dentistry. A $200 cleaning that catches early gum disease before it progresses saves a patient from spending $2,000–$5,000 on periodontal treatment or implants down the road. When patients ask me if a cleaning is worth the cost — with or without insurance — my answer is always yes."
— Dr. James Ko, DDS — Markham Smile Centre

Standard cleaning vs deep cleaning: what is the difference in cost?

One of the most common points of confusion for patients is the difference between a routine cleaning and a deep cleaning. The two procedures serve different purposes, involve different techniques, and carry significantly different costs.

Standard cleaning (prophylaxis)	Deep cleaning (scaling & root planing)
Purpose	Preventive maintenance for healthy gums	Therapeutic — treating early to moderate gum disease
Who it is for	Patients with healthy gums or mild gingivitis	Patients with periodontitis or pockets > 4mm
Procedure	Removes plaque and tartar above and just below the gumline	Removes tartar from deep within the gum pockets and smooths the root surface
Anaesthetic	Usually not required	Local anaesthetic typically used
Cost (no insurance)	$150 – $350 per visit	$200 – $500 per quadrant (mouth has 4 quadrants)
Insurance coverage	Usually 80–100%	Partial — varies by plan
Sessions required	1 visit	Usually 2 visits (upper and lower jaw separately)

If your hygienist has recommended a deep cleaning, see our detailed article on what to expect during scaling and root planing for a full explanation of the procedure, recovery, and what it treats. You can also learn more about our non-surgical gum therapy services.

How often do you need a dental cleaning?

Most adults benefit from a professional cleaning every six months. However, the right frequency for you depends on your oral and gum health and history.

Patient type	Recommended frequency	Why
Healthy adult with no gum disease	Every 6 months	Standard preventive maintenance
Patient with a history of gum disease	Every 3–4 months	More frequent monitoring reduces re-infection risk
Child (ages 6–18)	Every 6 months	Prevents cavities during the development of adult teeth
Adult with braces or orthodontic appliances	Every 3–6 months	More plaque accumulates around brackets and wires
Smoker	Every 3–6 months	Higher risk of gum disease and oral cancer
Diabetic patient	Every 3–6 months	Bidirectional link between diabetes and gum disease

Not sure how often you should come in? Book a new-patient appointment or call us — our hygienists will assess your gum health and recommend the right schedule for you.

Why regular cleanings save you money in the long run

The cost of a cleaning, even out-of-pocket, is one of the best investments in your oral health. Consider what it compares to:

Skipping cleanings can lead to…	Approximate cost in Ontario (no insurance)
Cavities requiring composite filling	$150 – $300 per tooth
Root canal treatment	$800 – $1,500+
Crown after root canal	$1,200 – $2,000+
Scaling and root planing (gum disease treatment)	$800 – $2,000+ (full mouth)
Dental implant (replacing a lost tooth)	$3,000 – $6,000+ per tooth

Learn more about the health benefits of getting your teeth cleaned , including systemic benefits beyond oral health.

"Patients often delay a cleaning because of the cost, and end up needing a filling or a root canal that costs ten times as much. I always tell patients: a cleaning is not an expense — it is the most affordable dental procedure you will ever have, and it is the one that prevents everything else."
— Dr. Camila Villarreal, DDS — Markham Smile Centre

What to expect at your dental cleaning appointment at Markham Smile Centre

If you have not had a professional cleaning in a while or if this is your first visit to our clinic, here is what a typical appointment looks like.

1. Check-in and health history review — our team will review or update your medical and dental history, including any medications or conditions that may affect your oral health.
2. Periodontal assessment — your hygienist will gently measure the depth of the pockets around each tooth using a small probe. This takes about 3–5 minutes and helps us detect early gum disease before it causes visible symptoms.
3. Scaling — using ultrasonic and hand scalers, your hygienist removes plaque and hardened tartar (calculus) from all tooth surfaces, including below the gumline.
4. Polishing — a prophy cup and a mildly abrasive paste remove light surface stains and leave your teeth feeling smooth.
5. Flossing — between every tooth.
6. Fluoride treatment (optional) — a professionally applied fluoride varnish or gel that strengthens enamel. Takes less than two minutes.
7. Oral health review — your hygienist will discuss findings, answer your questions, and recommend a recall schedule.
8. Dentist exam (if scheduled at the same appointment) — one of our dentists will perform a comprehensive oral exam, including any required X-rays. The exam and cleaning may be combined into one appointment or scheduled separately.

Appointment duration: A standard adult cleaning with a hygienist typically takes 45–60 minutes. If X-rays and a dental exam are included, allow 60–90 minutes for a new patient appointment.

New to Markham Smile Centre? What do new patients pay for a first cleaning

New patient appointments at Markham Smile Centre typically include a comprehensive exam, full-mouth X-rays, and a cleaning either at the same appointment or scheduled as a follow-up, depending on the amount of buildup present and the time available.

For new patients with heavy tartar buildup or who have not been to a dentist in several years, a full-mouth debridement may be performed first. This is an initial heavy cleaning that removes dense deposits before a more thorough assessment can be completed. Your hygienist will explain exactly what is recommended and what the cost will be before beginning any treatment.

CDCP patients: Markham Smile Centre is a registered CDCP provider. If you are eligible under the Canadian Dental Care Plan, a routine cleaning is covered at no cost to you. Bring your CDCP membership number, and we will verify it and bill you directly.

No insurance? Mention it when you book. We will provide a clear estimate before your appointment and can discuss flexible payment plans to manage the cost.

For new patients with heavy tartar buildup or who have not been to a dentist in several years, a full-mouth debridement may be performed first. This is an initial heavy cleaning that removes dense deposits before a more thorough assessment can be completed. Your hygienist will explain exactly what is recommended and what the cost will be before beginning any treatment.

CDCP patients: Markham Smile Centre is a registered CDCP provider. If you are eligible under the Canadian Dental Care Plan, a routine cleaning is covered at no cost to you. Bring your CDCP membership number, and we will verify it and bill you directly. No insurance? Mention it when you book. We will provide a clear estimate before your appointment and can discuss flexible payment plans to manage the cost.

Frequently asked questions about dental cleaning costs in Markham

How much does a dental cleaning cost in Markham without insurance?

A standard adult cleaning at a Markham dental clinic typically costs between $150 and $350, depending on the time required and whether X-rays are taken. A deep cleaning (scaling and root planing) is significantly more expensive, $200–$500 per quadrant, because it is a therapeutic procedure requiring more time and skill. For a precise estimate, call us before your appointment.

Is teeth cleaning covered by OHIP?

No. OHIP does not cover dental cleanings or any dental procedure performed in a dental office. OHIP covers only dental surgeries performed in a hospital setting for medically necessary reasons. However, the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) does cover cleanings for eligible patients.

Does the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) cover dental cleanings?

Yes. The CDCP covers preventive dental services, including cleanings for eligible patients. Markham Smile Centre accepts CDCP and offers direct billing. Visit our CDCP dentist page for full details on what is covered and how to use your benefits.

How often does insurance cover a dental cleaning?

Most private dental benefit plans cover cleanings every six months (two per year). Some plans cover only one cleaning per year. Check your plan documents or call your insurer. We can also verify your coverage when you book your appointment.

What is the difference between a regular cleaning and a deep cleaning?

A regular cleaning (prophylaxis) removes plaque and tartar from healthy gums. A deep cleaning (scaling and root planing) is a therapeutic treatment for gum disease — it cleans deep below the gumline into infected pockets. A deep cleaning costs significantly more and is usually done under local anesthetic. See our full guide to deep cleaning, scaling and root planing for details.

How long does a dental cleaning take?

A routine adult cleaning takes 45–60 minutes. If X-rays and a dental exam are included, a new patient appointment typically takes 60–90 minutes. For patients with significant tartar buildup, the hygienist may need more time or may recommend scheduling the cleaning over two appointments.

Do I need an exam at the same appointment as my cleaning?

A dental exam is not always required at the same appointment as a cleaning, but it is strongly recommended at least once a year. X-rays and a clinical exam by a dentist allow us to detect cavities, bone loss, and other conditions that a cleaning alone does not address. Your hygienist will advise whether a same-day exam is recommended based on your history and how long it has been since your last visit.

Can I get a dental cleaning if I have not been to the dentist in years?

Yes. If it has been several years since your last cleaning, your hygienist may recommend a full-mouth debridement first, an initial cleaning to remove dense tartar buildup, followed by a standard cleaning at a second appointment. There is no judgment at Markham Smile Centre; our goal is simply to get your oral health back on track.

Does Markham Smile Centre offer payment plans for dental cleanings?

Yes. If you do not have insurance or your coverage does not cover the full cost, we offer flexible dental financing to help you spread the cost of your treatment. Ask about payment plan options when you call.