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As Alberta dentists huddle this week in Jasper with their governing body, some are questioning why a fee guide for procedures, slated to be implemented by the province later this year, isn’t on the formal agenda.

Last year, when dentists gathered in the mountain town to hear from the Alberta Dental Association and College (ADA&C), tension reigned as a number of members took aim at the professional association and college, which has come under the microscope of the provincial government and the insurance industry while being embroiled in a class action lawsuit from several dentists.

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In December, the province released a review of sky high dental fees in Alberta, which revealed Albertans can pay as much as 44 per cent more for dental procedures than other provinces, and pledged to create a fee guide that would set standard rates allowing patients to compare prices.

Dr. Thayne Blunston, an Airdrie dentist who’s one of three named complainants in the lawsuit accusing the dental association of fostering a “climate of intimidation and bullying” for its aggressive pursuit of dentists who advertise their services, said he’s puzzled by the apparent exclusion of any update on dental fees, which could have a major impact on the industry.