Each Provincial Dental Association publishes an annual suggested Fee Guide to provide recommended fees for various dental procedures. It serves as a reference, not a requirement, for dental professionals in each Province when setting their own fees.
Insurance companies use the Provincial fee guides to set their own dental fee schedules annually, and for the most part they adhere very closely to the Provincial fee guides. Here are the last 3 years of Dental Association Fee Guides average annual increases:
The impact of a changing Dental Fee Guide on your dental benefits depends on several factors, including:
- Changes in the fee guide: If the suggested fees for dental procedures in the 2023 ODA Fee Guide have increased or decreased compared to the previous year, this may affect the coverage amounts that your insurance provider offers. This could result in higher or lower out-of-pocket expenses for you, depending on the specific changes.
- Your dental insurance plan: The extent to which the ODA Fee Guide impacts your benefits depends on the specific details of your dental insurance plan. Some plans may cover a certain percentage of the suggested fees, while others may have a fixed annual maximum for dental coverage. You should review your insurance policy or contact your insurance provider to understand how the 2023 ODA Fee Guide may impact your coverage.
- Your dentist’s fees: Dentists are not required to follow the ODA Fee Guide, and they may set their own fees based on various factors, such as their location, experience, and overhead costs. If your dentist charges more than the suggested fees in the guide, you may be responsible for paying the difference between the insurance coverage and the actual cost of the dental procedure.
To understand the specific impact on your dental benefits, you should review your insurance policy and consult with your dentist. They can provide you with personalized information regarding your coverage and potential out-of-pocket expenses.
