$1 New Patient Dental Exam in NE Calgary: Your Complete Guide
Finding affordable dental care in Calgary can feel overwhelming, especially when the 2026 Alberta Blue Cross usual and customary fee for a standard adult recall visit is roughly $430. The good news? Pathways Dental Clinic in NE Calgary offers a $1 new patient dental exam that makes your first visit virtually free. Whether you are new to Calgary, switching dentists, or simply overdue for a checkup, this guide explains exactly what the offer includes, why it exists, and how to book your appointment today.
What Is a $1 New Patient Dental Exam?
A $1 new patient dental exam is a promotional first visit offered by select dental clinics to remove the financial barrier that keeps people from seeing a dentist. Instead of paying the standard fee guide rate for a comprehensive oral examination, new patients pay just one dollar out of pocket.
A new patient exam is a thorough evaluation of your teeth, gums, existing restorations, and the structures of your head and neck. It is designed to establish a baseline of your oral health so your dental team can create a personalized treatment plan.
Why Pathways Dental Clinic Offers This Deal
Pathways Dental Clinic is a patient-centred practice in NE Calgary led by Dr. Tony Kim and Dr. Derek Bouma. Their goal is to build long-term relationships, and the $1 exam is how they welcome new families into the practice.
Commitment to Affordable Care
The clinic positions itself as an affordable Calgary dentist that provides high-quality dental work without the sticker shock. They also offer direct insurance billing and flexible financing options so patients have fewer out-of-pocket expenses.

A Kid-Friendly, Anxiety-Free Environment
Pathways Dental features a dedicated playroom for children and provides sedation dentistry options including IV, oral, and nitrous oxide sedation. This makes the clinic accessible to patients of every age and comfort level.
What to Expect at Your First Visit
Your $1 new patient exam at Pathways Dental is far from a quick glance. The comprehensive new patient package includes several components designed to give a complete picture of your oral health.
Comprehensive Exam and X-Rays
Dr. Kim and Dr. Bouma perform a thorough intra-oral and extra-oral head and neck examination. This includes TMJ evaluation, teeth alignment and occlusion assessment, sleep apnea screening, and oral cancer screening. Digital radiography allows accurate diagnosis with minimal radiation exposure.
Hygiene Appointment and Take-Home Gift
The new patient package also includes a one-hour hygiene appointment and a complimentary electric toothbrush. You can complete your new patient forms online before arriving, saving you time at the office.
How the $1 Exam Compares to Standard Alberta Fees
The Alberta Dental Association publishes a suggested fee guide each year. It is not a mandatory price list but rather a reference for patients, dentists, and insurers. Below is a comparison showing the value of the Pathways Dental offer.
| Service | 2026 Alberta Fee Guide (Approx.) | Pathways Dental New Patient |
|---|---|---|
| Comprehensive new patient exam | $100 - $150+ | $1 |
| Full series of X-rays | $150 - $200+ | Included |
| 1-hour hygiene cleaning | $150 - $250+ | Included |
| Electric toothbrush | $30 - $80 retail | Complimentary |
| Estimated total value | $430 - $680+ | $1 |
According to Alberta Blue Cross, the 2026 usual and customary fee for a standard adult recall visit is approximately $430.85. The savings from the Pathways Dental new patient offer are significant.
Who Qualifies for the $1 Exam?
The offer is designed for new patients visiting Pathways Dental Clinic for the first time. There is no age restriction, and the clinic treats both adults and children. Whether you have dental insurance or not, you can take advantage of this promotion.
Pathways Dental accepts all national insurance plans and provides direct billing for most insurance companies. They also accept the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP), which covers uninsured Canadians with an adjusted family net income under $90,000.
Full Range of Services Beyond the Exam
Once you become a patient, Pathways Dental offers a comprehensive range of dental services. General dentistry is the foundation of preventative and restorative care aimed at maintaining long-term oral health.
Available services include general and preventative dentistry, restorative treatments like dental implants, crowns, bridges, and dentures, cosmetic options such as veneers, teeth whitening, and bonding, orthodontics including Invisalign and traditional braces, emergency dentistry with same-day appointments, and laser therapy for gum treatments.
Key Takeaways
- Pathways Dental Clinic in NE Calgary offers a $1 new patient dental exam that includes a comprehensive exam, full X-rays, a hygiene appointment, and a complimentary electric toothbrush.
- The standard Alberta fee guide cost for comparable services exceeds $430, making this offer an exceptional value.
- The clinic is led by Dr. Tony Kim and Dr. Derek Bouma, who focus on patient-centred, comprehensive care.
- All ages are welcome, and sedation options are available for anxious patients and children.
- Direct insurance billing and flexible financing reduce out-of-pocket costs for ongoing treatment.
- Pathways Dental is open for emergencies 24/7, 365 days a year via phone at (403) 455-5565.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the $1 new patient dental exam include?
The $1 exam includes a comprehensive oral examination by a general dentist, a full series of digital X-rays, a one-hour hygiene cleaning appointment, and a complimentary electric toothbrush.
Where is Pathways Dental Clinic located?
Pathways Dental Clinic is located in northeast (NE) Calgary, Alberta, Canada. You can find directions and contact details on their contact page.
Do I need dental insurance to get the $1 exam?
No. The $1 new patient exam is available regardless of insurance status. However, if you do have insurance, Pathways Dental offers direct billing for most national plans.
Is the $1 dental exam available for children?
Yes. Pathways Dental treats children of all ages and has a kid-friendly office with a playroom. Nitrous oxide sedation is available if needed.
How do I book my $1 new patient exam?
You can book online through the Pathways Dental appointment page or call (403) 455-5565. Someone is available to take calls 24/7.
What is the Alberta Dental Fee Guide?
The Alberta Dental Fee Guide is a recommended fee schedule published annually by the Alberta Dental Association. It provides suggested fees for dental services but is not mandatory for dentists to follow.
Does Pathways Dental handle dental emergencies?
Yes. Pathways Dental welcomes all dental emergencies and offers same-day emergency appointments. Call (403) 455-5565 immediately if you are experiencing dental pain.
What sedation options are available at Pathways Dental?
The clinic offers IV sedation, oral sedation, and nitrous oxide (laughing gas) to ensure patient comfort during any procedure.
Book Your $1 New Patient Exam Today
Stop putting off your dental health because of cost. Pathways Dental Clinic makes it easy with a $1 new patient exam that delivers over $400 in value. Claim your $1 new patient offer now or call (403) 455-5565 to schedule your first appointment. Your smile will thank you.

