FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Costs & Insurance
The British Columbia Dental Association (BCDA) produces an annual suggested fee guide for dentists in BC. This document outlines over 1,400 dental codes and code descriptors related to specific elements of dental treatment. It also provides suggested fees that serve as a guide only; dentists are not required to follow the guide or any fee schedule.Many dental plan carriers will base plan coverage on fees and codes within this guide. In some cases the coverage is based on previous year's guides (going back a year or more). Note: Dental plan providers do not work with the BCDA to develop the 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 individual practice.
A print copy of the suggested fee guide can be found in main public libraries (PDF)—this is the same print copy sent to all dentists in BC.
