Saskatchewan Dental Fee Guide

your dentist is. Knowing dentist prices can save you about 10% on your total dental costs. Knowing the difference between dentist prices and dental costs will save you about 50% of your total dental costs!

Please be aware, that not all procedures are listed as professional fees. The cost for these services vary based on the associated lab costs and depends upon the complexity of the treatment required. We encourage you to call our office to arrange a visit with one of our dentists in order to evaluate your oral health and the condition of your teeth so that we can provide a more accurate estimate.

Understanding Dental Fees

As health care professionals, dentists are focused on providing you with individual care to support your dental and overall health. Understanding how those costs are established and how you can find out about your care cost before treatment will help you make the best decisions for your health. Dental fees are based on the costs of doing business. These costs include capital costs, rent, dental instruments, staff salaries, equipment, computers, and other materials for dentists. A dental practice in Alberta can be higher than in other provinces; a comparison of dental fees for standard procedures across the regions shows that some procedures are more expensive while some are less.

Dental benefits provided by dental plan companies have not kept pace.  Even if the description of benefit coverage indicates 100% coverage of dental fees, insurers often set a maximum reimbursement that is lower than the actual cost.  Any difference is paid for by the patient.

Dental services are highly individualized, and the cost may vary from person to person. For example, cleaning the teeth of a person who eats healthy foods, brushes and flosses after every meal or snack will not take as long as cleaning the teeth of a person who smokes and is not as diligent in brushing. Someone needing a crown may also require periodontal (gum), endodontic (root canal) and/or restorative (filling) treatment before proceeding with the crown.

Benefits of Saskatchewan Dental Fee Guide

Standard Cost of Dental Procedures

The costs of various dental procedures in Saskatchewan are considered to be some of the highest ones in Canada. Dental costs in Alberta are the highest in Canada, and that in Saskatchewan ranks third. The goal of setting a dental fee guide is to bring fees more in line with other provinces in the years ahead. In order to make dental procedures affordable for most people living in the province, a standard fee guide is introduced. Although dentists don’t necessarily have to follow the guide, it still gives a reference to dentists for pricing their services.

Increased Transparency of Dental Care

There are countless dentists in Saskatchewan, and each one of them prices their dental procedures differently. Not many dentists are happy to share the reason for pricing their services too high. In order to prevent overpricing dental services, dental fee guides are introduced in provinces and reviewed annually. Dental fee guides increase transparency, which encourages competition and reins in costs over time.

Room for Negotiation for Dentists

The fees in the dental guide are recommended but are not mandatory. Dentists continue to set the fees they charge for services. Some will charge more than the fee guide, some will charge less. So if dentists don’t agree with a certain pricing pattern, they can work on the set fees and come up with their own pricing way.

Better Fee Understanding for Customers

Another benefit that a fixed dental fee guide has is for customers. Fixed pricing helps people to understand what to expect from various dentists in their region. As mentioned above, dentists can decide the prices of their services, customers will still have a basic idea of what various dental procedures may cost. And then, there will be just a little more amount apart from the standard pricing depending on which dentist they choose to visit.

What Can Patients Do?

If you are trying to understand the dental fee guidelines in Saskatchewan and wish to know how things work at your dentists’, talk to your dentist. Discuss all of your treatment options with your dentists and the associated costs before proceeding with treatment.

Ask if your dental office follows the suggested fee guide. A dental office may bill some, or all codes, based on the recommended fee guide. Check with your dentist to make sure you are clear about your treatment costs before proceeding. Request a written estimate for complex procedures. Because dentists charge different prices, you may wish to shop around.

To avoid unexpected costs:

• Compare your dentist's fees with the dental fee guide.
• Ask your dentist to send a pre-authorization to your insurance company.
• Contact your insurance company to determine the amount covered and how much you'll be required to pay.

Insurance plans are meant to help cover the costs of treatment.  While we always keep in mind the financial burden of dental care, we present a treatment plan based on what is best for the patient, not for the insurance company. They are not qualified to assess, diagnose or create a treatment plan. So if you are looking for an experienced dentist who charges you appropriately in Saskatchewan, you can visit us and get your oral health examined. We believe in providing a straightforward pricing structure for all our clients for all kinds of restorative and cosmetic dentistry services.
 
Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why Does My Dentist Charge More than the Provincial Fee Guide?

There is no requirement for dentists to charge the suggested fees outlined in the dental fee guides. Dentists determine costs for their office based on the factors influencing their practice.

2. How Can I Be Sure My Dentist Is Charging a Fair Price?

You may want to review a copy of the Saskatchewan’s Fee Guide to determine how your dentist’s fees compare to the suggested fees in the Guide. Keep in mind that a dentist’s fees are left to their discretion; they are not required to use the Saskatchewan Fee Guide fees.

3. Can Dentists Bill My Insurance Company?

Yes, provided the dentists have previously confirmed applicable insurance coverage is in place. Contact your insurance provider for a comprehensive description of covered services and claim processes.

4. Can The Dentist Get My Insurance Information For Me?

No. The privacy laws governing both the dental practice and insurance providers limit your dentist’s ability to access or request specific details about your policy coverage. Insurance companies do not have a legal obligation to provide us with thorough or accurate information about a patient’s coverage.

5. Why Do Dentists Provide/Offer Procedures That Are Not Covered?

Dentists are responsible for providing you with the best clinical care and treatment options with your health concerns in mind. Dentists do not know with complete certainty which procedures will be covered. If dentists base their treatment options on the limitations of insurance coverage, they will not be able to provide you with the quality dental care you deserve.