Alberta's Dental Fee Guide: What You Need To Know

In November 2017, Alberta released a new dental fee guide that recommends lower dentist prices to ensure all Albertans have access to quality and affordable dentistry services.

Most provincial health insurance plans in Canada don’t provide coverage for dentistry services such as routine check-ups and teeth cleanings, leading many individuals to fear high dentistry prices. As a result, a huge number of Calgarians are neglecting their oral health.

However, doing so will lead to:

• the gradual and inevitable buildup of plaque and tartar
• higher risk of developing cavities, gum disease, and tooth decay
• tooth loss
• stained, uneven, and discoloured teeth
• oral pain and discomfort

Quality And Affordable Dentistry Services in Calgary

At Dr. Korol Dental, we are committed to protecting our patients’ dental and overall health. We offer quality and affordable holistic dentistry services as well as convenient insurance billing to make every step in your oral health journey as enjoyable and stress-free as possible.

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What is the Alberta Dental Fee Guide?

Every province and territory in Canada follows their own dental fee guide, designed to regulate the price of dentistry. The document includes a wide number of dental codes and descriptors related to specific elements of dental treatments to serve as a guide for dentists and dental plan carriers.

Does my dentist have to follow the fee guide? No. While many dentists follow some of the fees within the guide, there is no requirement to do so. Always check with your dental clinic and ask for a cost estimate before going ahead with any treatment.

Why is the dental fee guide important?

While dentists are not obligated to follow the dental fee guide when setting the prices for their services, such a document is important because it:

• regulates the price of dentistry within a province
• allows for more educated and informed consumers
• ensures individuals receive good value for their money when it comes to oral treatments
• makes it easier and more affordable for Canadians to access quality dental care
• increases transparency, reigning in dentistry costs over time

Alberta Dental Fee Guide

Alberta’s New Dental Fee Guide

The ADA+C stopped publishing a dental fee guide in Alberta in 1997 because it was believed that such a document removed the competitiveness of the marketplace by setting an expectation of price. However, dental costs in Alberta rose to the highest in Canada.

As such, the dental fee guide was reintroduced in an attempt to lower dentistry prices in the province to bring them more in line with other provinces.

In addition to regulating costs, the guide will help:

• albertans select the right dentist
• dentists determine their fees
• insurers set coverage levels

Choosing a Dentist With The New Dental Fee Guide

Now that you are equipped with the dental fee guide, you can become a more confident and informed consumer. Before you seek any treatment, make sure to ask for a cost estimate, and don’t forget to contact more than one clinic to ask if they charge according to the fee guide.

As a dental consumer, you should:

• discuss your treatment with your dentist, ask for cost estimates, and find out whether your dental clinic follows the fee guide
• ask for quotes for specific procedures and compare them to the rates in the dental fee guide
• contact a number of local dental clinics to compare their services and costs
• shop around for dental services that best meet your budget and unique needs

When selecting a dentist, remember to always ask the following:

• Are you confident in your dental healthcare professional? Are they providing you with the safe and quality services you need?
• Is it easy to speak to your dentist? Do they take the time to address your concerns and questions and put you at ease?
• Do you feel comfortable and happy with the team at your dental clinic?
• Is the clinic open to discussing their fees?
• Are the hours and location convenient for you?
• Do your family and friends recommend this dentist? What have other peoples’ experiences been with the dental clinic?

Call Today

At Dr. Korol Dental, we strive to make every patient comfortable and happy. To inquire more about the prices of our dentistry services, contact us at 403-245-9099 or book an appointment.