A new dental guide put out by the Province of Alberta is recommending a drop of 8.5 percent in 60 common dental practices.

A review in 2016 found Albertans pay more for certain procedures than other provinces.

Sarah Hoffman, Minister of Health said she has heard from seniors and parents worried about creeping costs and the affordability of dental care.

"We've partnered with the Alberta Dental Association and College to make sure dental health is affordable and transparent in this province," said Hoffman.

Alberta has not had a dental fee guide in more than two decades.

The new fee guide, goes into effect on New Year’s Day will let Albertans have a conversation with their dentists about the costs of dental services.

Dr. Jennilee Jamison at Hometown Dental in Okotoks says the prices they are recommending are close to what she charges.

"I just know it is a landing board for patients to be able to get a rough idea of what costs are going to be," said Jamison. "The thing is every dentist has to base it on their costs and their expertise, so they are not obligated to charge what is is in the guide."

She adds Alberta's costs are a lot higher for things like leases, dental assistants and receptionists.

"That is why you do see more costs when you come from Manitoba to Calgary."

And dentists who have taken extra training.

"Some of us have taken extra training to be better at certain procedures so we feel justified in charging a little bit more for certain things because we have done that and we provide a good service."

Jamison says dentists will have to break it down into what works for them, so you are still going to see a variation in the prices in Alberta.