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The organization that represents Alberta’s 2,600 dentists has found itself in the crosshairs of Health Minister Sarah Hoffman, who demanded Thursday the group “get back to the drawing board” in its efforts to make dental costs more affordable.

Hoffman’s ire was specifically directed at a new dental fee guide — the province’s first such guide in 20 years — released by the Alberta Dental Association and College.

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While the association insisted the newly recommended fees would create sufficient “downward pressure” for dentists to reduce their rates, Hoffman said the guide does far too little to help patients who are currently subjected to some of the highest and fastest growing prices in the country.

“I’m making my opinion very clear to (the association and college) of dentists that I’m not satisfied,” she said. “I don’t think Albertans will be satisfied. They deserve better.”

If the association fails to rework the fee guide, Hoffman hinted she could use her power under the Health Professions Act to impose new regulations on dentists. As well, she noted there have been calls for the government to split up the association and college into two separate organizations.