Understanding the Suggested Fee Guide
About this Seminar
This session provides a comprehensive overview of the structure, purpose, and practical application of the Suggested Fee Guide. Participants will gain a clear understanding of the inputs that inform the guide—particularly salary assumptions—and how macroeconomic indicators such as household income and demographic trends influence modelling outcomes. Using a live model demonstration, the session will illustrate how changes in fees, supply costs, and other variables impact practice finances, including why increases in expenses do not translate proportionally to changes in the Suggested Fee Guide.
Additional topics include the effects of significant fee adjustments, the role of CDCP in back-filling demand, and the relationship between hygiene billing, wage structures, and the guide. The presentation will also reinforce the importance of viewing the Suggested Fee Guide as a starting point rather than a prescriptive standard. Attendees will leave with a clearer understanding of when and why practices may set fees above or below the guide, and how to adapt fee schedules to reflect individual operational costs and local market conditions.
This session is designed for clinicians and practice owners seeking a deeper, data-driven understanding of the Suggested Fee Guide and its application in sustainable practice management.
Presenters
About Lindsay McGarvey
Lindsay McGarvey, M.A. (Economics), is a Principal of Impact Economic Consultants. Since 2016, she has co-led a consulting practice dedicated to the economics of dentistry, developing fee guide models and providing evidence-based recommendations to provincial Economics Committees. With more than fourteen years of experience in economic research, statistical analysis, and practice expense surveys, she has written numerous analytical reports and advises clients on economic issues impacting the dental profession. Prior to founding Impact, Lindsay served as an Economist with RKH Economic Consultants, where she conducted economic research, designed statistical models, and worked directly with dentists to collect and analyze confidential survey data. She earned her Master of Arts in Economics and dual Bachelor’s Degrees in Economics and International Development Studies from York University.
About Kristine May
Kristine May, B.A. (Economics), is a Principal of Impact Economic Consultants and has more than 25 years of experience in dental economics. Since 2016, she has led the firm's data collection, statistical analysis, and reporting activities supporting the annual revision of provincial Suggested Fee Guides. Prior to the formation of Impact, she spent nearly 16 years with RKH Economic Consultants in roles spanning database management, programming, client relations, and project coordination. Kristine holds a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from the University of Toronto and a Certificate in Big Data Analytics from York University, as well as strong background in accounting.