By Dori Modney (@Dori_Modney on Twitter) with files from Alberta Health

Government finds Albertans pay more for dentists – fee guide on the way

Dec 8, 2016 | 1:36 PM

EDMONTON –  It will come as no surprise to many – a government review has found that Albertans pay more than other Canadians for dental visits and procedures.

According to results of a dental fee review, prices in Alberta are higher and growing faster than anywhere else in Canada. The review included an analysis of low, average and high fees for the most common dental procedures performed in Alberta and will  Albertans to compare prices and shop around for services that fit their needs.

The review found that average costs for nearly 50 dental procedures are 44 per cent higher in Alberta than in British Columbia, 38 per cent more than in Saskatchewan and 25 per cent more than in Ontario.

However, Alberta Health is stopping short of regulating fees and opting, instead, to work with dentists to develop a fee guide, which will allow patients to ‘shop around’ for services.

Dr. Mintoo Basahti, President Elect of the Alberta Dental Association and College, says they have been in full support of the review and acknowledge it is good for both Albertans and the Alberta Dental College.

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Basahti noted that in 1997, Alberta’s suggested fee guide (for dental procedures) was discontinued, as per government request.

“At the time, the consumer association of Canada, attempted to have the Alberta dental association and College charged with price fixing, as the fee guide was being used as a fee schedule. We have, and continue, to seek openness and transparency as one of our core values.”

Basahti says the College has worked with Alberta Health over the last year to develop an “Ask your Dentist” campaign, encouraging communication between dentists and patients and promoting patient discussions with dentists, to assist them in making informed decisions about dental care, treatment options and costs.

It was noted that it does cost more for dentists to operate in Alberta.

The review says hygenists are paid up to $18 an hour more than in the rest of the country and assistants are paid up to $10 an hour more.

More information on the dental review can be found on the Albrta Health website. http://www.health.alberta.ca/health-info/dental-fees.html