It’s no surprise a visit to the dentist can be a painful experience, both for your mouth and wallet; and that has the Alberta government taking action.

A year ago, the province announced they would review dental costs in Alberta. Those findings have come back and confirmed that Albertans are paying more for their dental care 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 today. The guide will give those looking for dental services an idea of how much they are paying in comparison to other dentists; meaning they will have a better idea if they are being charged more or less for the same services elsewhere.

Alberta is the only province that doesn’t have a dental fee guide after it was scrapped in 1997. According to the Canadian Life and Health Insurance Association, dental fees increased 56-percent in Alberta from 2005 to 2015. In that time, rates increased by only 26-percent in British Columbia and 24-percent in Ontario.

Minister of Health Sarah Hoffman says the government will now be making a list that will allow Albertans to compare prices and shop around for services that fit their needs and their payment plans.

“We are partnering with the Alberta Dental Association and College to further protect consumers by introducing a public fee guide similar to those found in every other province,” says Hoffman in a news release. “Work is also underway to close gaps in government programs for vulnerable Albertans and to help families understand their rights as dental consumers.”

The government has also asked the Alberta Dental College and Association to submit a plan outlining strategies to continue growing public confidence in the profession and to come up with solutions that address concerns about dentists’ advertising guidelinesHoffman says the report will explore ways to ensure Albertans get fair value for their money.