Introduction
We now know the 2025 weighted average increase, and it’s a whole whopping—wait for it—2%. Diagnostics are up 2.3%, and preventative is up 1.7%. So, let’s see how you can work with what we got.
If you're unfamiliar with the Ontario Dental Association (ODA) Fee Guide, it’s the basis for how we code the patient care services we provide for our patients. More importantly, the fees derived from the Guide are what provide the revenue that pays the bills for the office AND the salary of everyone in the office.
Are You Ready to Justify Your Raise?
If talking about revenue and compensation makes you uncomfortable, STOP READING HERE. However, if you're one of those employees waiting for the 2025 fee guide increase to plead your case for a raise in the upcoming year, let’s get real—this conversation could be short unless you're properly prepared.
Take your current per hour and multiply it by 2%. For most of you, that’ll result in an increase ranging from $0.65 to $1.00 an hour. Not exactly the “start the car” moment, right?
What Does This Mean for You?
In the real world, the only way you’ll see that 2% increase is if you've already been achieving the fee guide increases from previous years. Let’s take a look at how the numbers have been evolving:
Hourly Production History
Year | Hourly Production |
2022 | $267 |
2023 | $290.50 |
2024 | $302 |
2025 | $308 |
2022: Average per-hour production of $267
2023: After an 8.8% fee guide increase, hourly production = $290.50
2024: After a 4% increase, hourly production = $302.00
2025: 2% increase, hourly production = $308.00
How many of you are currently at that level? How many of you even know if you’re at that level?
How Do You Calculate Your Raise?
Calculating your raise may be a bit difficult and time-consuming because most practice management systems report hygiene production numbers based on your office’s rules (e.g., preventative services, including x-rays). You’d also need to factor in diagnostic services that don’t appear in your production report.
Tip: If your office uses RNA180 software, you can easily access up-to-the-minute production numbers and reports, including your “due but missed” report. Ask your practice manager for these details so you can go into your raise discussion armed with all the numbers.
New Codes in the 2025 Fee Guide
Now, let’s look at what’s new in this year’s fee guide.
01201 – Exam and Diagnosis, Limited Oral, New Patient
This code was introduced out of necessity and continuity. It’s a "mini-COE" that includes gross calculus removal and a PSR (Periodontal Screening and Recording), but it lacks a full probe score. In reality, it’s always better to do a full COE for a proper diagnosis.
Caution: Don’t get caught in a situation where you book the full COE only to face a frequency limitation issue down the road.
01502 – Post-Surgical Re-evaluation
This code corrects the misuse of 49101 for ongoing periodontal therapy evaluations. 49101 is only for post-surgical re-evaluations more than a month after surgery. Preventive scaling does not count as ongoing periodontal therapy.
02811 to 02819 – Interpretation of X-Rays from Another Source
This code, which has been absent for around 15 years, has finally returned to the fee guide. It allows for billing when interpreting X-rays from other sources.
99222 to 99113 – Orthodontic Pathology Report Change
The 99222 expense report has changed to 99113. Be sure to use the correct code for orthodontic path reports to avoid issues with billing.
99333 to 99112 – In-House Lab Code Change
The 99333 in-house lab expense code has changed to 99112. Make sure you're up to date on the correct coding for in-house lab work.
99555 to 99121 – Expense Code Replaced
The 99555 expense code has been replaced by 99121. Make sure to apply the new code when appropriate.
Final Thoughts for 2025
Now that you’re armed with the basic info, here’s your action plan for success in 2025:
Know Your Numbers: Track your per-hour production and make sure you're achieving the fee guide increases.
Understand the New Codes: Familiarize yourself with the new codes, especially the nuances (e.g., 01201 for new patients) and avoid common mistakes.
Justify Your Raise: When you go to ask for a raise, bring hard data. If you’ve been following the fee guide increases, you’ll have numbers that speak for themselves.
You’re ready for 2025! Whether you’re looking to maximize your earnings or just stay up-to-date, now you’ve got the tools and information you need.
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