Our fees are very comparable to what other dental offices in Airdrie are charging. We know this because we polled several offices to make sure our fees are competitive. We set our fees to cover our office overhead. Part of this is our investment in new technology to make your visit better. This includes things such as digital X-rays to decrease your exposure to radiation and cameras that allow you to see pictures of your teeth to better understand what condition they are in. We have also invested in conveniences for patient comforts such as TVs and headphones in each room, with Netflix, complimentary slippers, lip chap, hot towels, and a hot beverage station. We are committed to offering a great patient experience at every visit, with patient perks. This cannot be done on the prices set in the latest fee guide.
Part of our pricing is determined by staff salary. Alberta Dental Staff wages are the highest in Canada. We also include extra infection control steps to clean our instruments, which have been mandated by Alberta Health. This has included the purchase of new equipment to thoroughly clean our instruments. Because we throw away many items (single-use items) that we were once allowed to disinfect and reuse, this has greatly increased the overhead in most Alberta offices. It is important to note that no other province is required to follow these steps. We also choose to use quality dental supplies from reputable suppliers. Some of these supplies are costly, and the price is dependent on the US dollar. Most recently, we have also had to start paying the carbon tax on our utility bill, and we do not qualify for a rebate.
We understand that prices in Alberta can be difficult for those on a tight budget. For the convenience of our patients, we offer in-office payment plans and third-party financing. This is done on a case-by-case basis. Our goal is to work within your timeline and budget to get your work done and help you achieve your best oral health.
We will be happy to file your dental insurance claims for you. Please bring your insurance information when you come in for your appointment. We will work with you to ensure that you receive the maximum benefits to which you are entitled. Remember, dental insurance is intended to cover some but not all of the cost of your dental care. The fees charged for services rendered to those who are insured are the usual and customary fees charged to all our patients for similar services. Your policy may base its eligible fee on a fixed fee schedule, which may or may not coincide with our usual fees. You should be aware that different insurance carriers vary greatly in the types of coverage available and that group benefits are designed based on options your employer has chosen for you.