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Health minister slams Alberta Dental Association and College fee guide

Last Updated Aug 18, 2017 at 1:15 pm MDT

Alberta’s health minister is not happy with the Alberta Dental Association and College (ADA&C).

Sarah Hoffman slammed the group for its new fee guide which she says doesn’t go nearly far enough to reduce costs for patients.

After 20 years without a dental fee guide, the frustration stems from the fact Albertans will only see a three per cent reduction of fees.

Albertans pay the most for dental care in Canada, in some cases double what the rest of country pays.

The guide recommends a standard oral examination for a new patient, for example, be priced at around $75, compared to the suggested fee of $43 in British Columbia.

Hoffman was also frustrated that the ADA&C didn’t share details of the new guide with her before making it public.

She said she is examining, “rather extreme measures” including the possibility of separating the Dental Association from the regulatory functions, if the ADA&C doesn’t make dental services more affordable.

In a release, the Friends of Medicare called on both parties to address the issue and stop any policies which further promote the exclusion of dental care from our health system.

It also said the guide is just that, a guide, and doesn’t regulate prices to the extent it needs to.