Dental Imaging in Canada
Dental imaging represents one of the fastest-growing equipment categories in the Canadian dental market. The transition from traditional film-based radiography to fully digital imaging workflows is well advanced in Canada, with the majority of new equipment installations and upgrades involving digital sensors, digital panoramic units and CBCT (Cone Beam Computed Tomography) systems.
Canada’s radiation-emitting dental devices are regulated under the Radiation Emitting Devices Act (REDA), administered by Health Canada, which sets safety and performance requirements for all X-ray equipment sold and operated in the country. Provincial regulations also apply to operator licensing and radiation safety protocols.
Imaging CategoriesDental Imaging Equipment Types
- Digital Intraoral Sensors: The most widely adopted imaging technology in Canadian practices. Replace traditional periapical film with instant digital radiographs. Brands: Dentsply Sirona (Schick), Carestream (RVG), Planmeca, Vatech. Sensor sizes 0, 1 and 2 serve different patient and procedure needs.
- Digital Panoramic (OPG) Units: Full-arch panoramic X-ray for patient assessment, implant planning and orthodontic evaluation. Increasingly combined with cephalometric function. Brands: Planmeca, Dentsply Sirona (Orthophos), Vatech, Carestream.
- CBCT (3D Cone Beam CT): The highest-growth imaging category in Canada. Field-of-view options from small (implant planning) to full skull. Essential for implant, endodontic and orthodontic planning. Brands: Planmeca, Carestream, Dentsply Sirona, Vatech, Morita, i-Cat.
- Intraoral Cameras: Small cameras for patient education, documentation and diagnostic support. Increasingly standard in new practices. Brands: Dentsply Sirona (Schick), Carestream, DEXIS, Apteryx.
- Phosphor Plate (PSP) Systems: Transitional digital technology between film and sensor-based imaging. Still used in some Canadian practices, particularly for full-mouth surveys in multi-operatory settings.
Regulation Note: All dental X-ray equipment in Canada requires a valid Medical Device Licence (MDL) under Health Canada. Operators must hold radiation protection certification as required by their provincial dental regulatory authority. Radiation safety records must be maintained as per provincial requirements.
Canadian Dental Imaging Market 2026
| Equipment | Approx. CAD Price Range | Key Brands |
|---|---|---|
| Digital Intraoral Sensor | $4,000 – $12,000 | Dentsply Sirona, Carestream, Planmeca |
| Digital Panoramic Unit | $18,000 – $45,000 | Planmeca, Vatech, Dentsply Sirona |
| CBCT (small FOV) | $45,000 – $90,000 | Planmeca, Carestream, Vatech |
| CBCT (large FOV) | $85,000 – $160,000 | Planmeca, i-Cat, Dentsply Sirona |
| Intraoral Camera | $1,200 – $4,500 | DEXIS, Carestream, Dentsply Sirona |