New year, new dental fee guide: what it means for your coverage

December 8, 2025

Photo focuses on a blue and white tooth brush and toothpaste as a woman in the background smiles and puts the toothpaste on the brush

A new dental fee guide takes effect January 1. Learn more about how the fee guide connects to your ASEBP coverage.

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Starting January 1, 2026, ASEBP will follow the Alberta Dental Association’s (ADA) 2025 Dental Fee Guide for the next 12 months. 

What are dental fees? 

Dental fees are the amounts your dentist charges for their services. Each year, the ADA releases a Dental Fee Guide with recommended prices for the most common procedures. The goal of ADA’s guide is to increase transparency and help keep dental costs in check. 

ASEBP uses the previous year’s guide to calculate reimbursement amounts. For 2026, ASEBP will be using ADA’s 2025 guide.  

Want a quick overview? Check out ASEBP’s Dental Benefits Overview video. 

What this means for you 

Although the ADA publishes a recommended fee guide, it is not mandatory, and dentists do not have to follow it. Cost can vary between dentist offices. Even if you have 100 per cent coverage for certain services, your ASEBP dental benefits may not cover the full amount if your dentist charges more than the guide. 

How to avoid surprise out-of-pocket expenses 

Here are a few simple steps to help you stay informed and prevent unexpected costs: 

  • Know your coverage. Review your ASEBP dental benefits so you understand what is covered, including any limitations like how often you can have certain services (for example, dental exams). 
  • Ask before your appointment. Check whether your dentist charges according to the Alberta Dental Association’s Dental Fee Guide. 
  • Request a pre-determination. Ask your dental office to verify your coverage electronically before performing any services.  

For more information, visit the Dental page.