Announcements

CALL FOR DENTAL TECHNOLOGY SUBJECT MATTER EXPERTS: PLAR EVALUATOR OPPORTUNITY

Help shape the future of dental technology in Canada as a PLAR Evaluator. This is an opportunity to share your expertise, grow professionally, and play a key role in strengthening the profession through a national initiative.

The Canadian Alliance of Dental Technology Regulators (CADTR) is piloting a Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) program on behalf of participating regulatory authorities and is seeking Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) in Dental Technology to serve as PLAR Evaluators during the pilot process.

As a PLAR Evaluator, you’ll play an essential role in ensuring new practitioners meet national standards for safe and competent practice while expanding your own skills through training and collaboration with peers across Canada. You’ll also receive full training in PLAR processes and collaborate with CADTR Lead PLAR SMEs during the program’s pilot phase, with compensation for your time and contributions through this flexible, remote engagement opportunity.

Interested in this opportunity? Please review the following description of the role, including eligibility guidelines, responsibilities, time commitment, remuneration, and how to apply. Expressions of interest are due by December 10, 2025, and selected PLAR Evaluators will be notified by January 5, 2026. The project will run from February to June 2026.

PLAR EVALUATOR ROLE & WHAT TO EXPECT

PURPOSE OF THE PLAR PATHWAY

The PLAR Pathway is designed to assess applicants seeking registration as RDTs/DTs. These applicants do not currently meet the minimum education requirement for other pathways to licensure, which is successful completion of a formal dental technology/oral health program. However, they may possess sufficient knowledge, skills and attitudes gained from employment and non-formal learning experiences.

The PLAR pathway will determine the extent to which an applicant’s knowledge, skills, and attitudes, can be deemed sufficient or substantially equivalent to that of an approved dental technology education program in Canada. It will also identify gaps in need of upgrade before an applicant is deemed eligible to challenge the Dental Technology Entry-to-Practice Assessment (DTETPA) registration exam.

PLAR EVALUATOR ELIGIBILITY GUIDELINES

If you’re a Registered Dental Technologist or Technician (RDT/DT) in good standing with your regulatory body, in a membership category that permits independent or unrestricted practice, you’re encouraged to apply.

Representation criteria

The selected RDTs/DTs will be chosen to reflect:

• Geographic diversity across regulated jurisdictions

• Variation in professional experience including familiarity with current dental technology education and/or dental technology practice

• Diverse practice settings, including international scope, dental laboratory operations and expertise, and educational settings

• Varied practice focus including practising RDTs/DTs in a preceptor role

Valued assets or experience

• Commitment to public protection and understanding of the regulatory mandate.

• Knowledge of regulated practice scope in their jurisdiction.

• Comprehensive understanding of the skills, knowledge, and attitudes expected of entry-level RDTs/DTs in Canada.

• Five (5) or more years of current practice experience as an RDT/DT in a regulated Canadian jurisdiction, and currently registered and in good standing.

• Familiarity with CADTR’s National Essential Entry-to-Practice Competencies.

• No perceived conflict of interest, including no current involvement with one’s regulatory body’s registration or discipline committees.

• No current or planned engagement in the development or delivery of for-profit preparatory courses or programs related to dental technology examinations.

• Prior experience in assessment or evaluation (e.g., portfolio reviews) is considered a strong asset.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Working with CADTR’s Lead PLAR SMEs and project consultants, PLAR Evaluators will:

• Participate in orientation and training sessions on PLAR tools, processes, and procedures

• Access, review and assess PLAR pilot applicant portfolios and supporting evidence against the established competencies

• Apply structured rubrics and scoring tools with consistency

• Participate in calibration and consensus discussions with a peer PLAR evaluator to ensure fairness and reliability

• Seek guidance from Lead PLAR SMEs when necessary

• Complete and finalize applicant outcome reports

• Participate in periodic project team meetings to monitor progress and address emerging issues

• Provide overall feedback on the PLAR pilot project

TIME COMMITMENT & ESTIMATED HOURS

Project timeline: February to June 30, 2026

Engagement: Flexible, with an anticipated average of 21-25 hours per month

Total hours: Each PLAR Evaluator can expect to contribute approximately 126–150 hours over the course of the project, though exact hours may vary based on project needs

Location: Online

REMUNERATION

Beyond contributing to the profession and providing a valuable service to CADTR, PLAR Evaluators will receive the following recognition:

• Receive a letter from CADTR verifying participation and hours of service that may be used for Continuing Education, where applicable

• Receive a certificate for the educational activities completed during the PLAR development process

• Receive remuneration in the amount of CAD $2,500-$3,000, commensurate with the estimated 126-150 hours of participation

• Have an opportunity to provide feedback on PLAR content and process

SELECTION NOTIFICATION

Successful applicants will receive a confirmation email on January 5, 2026 with next steps and timelines.

OTHER EXPECTATIONS

You will be required to sign and adhere to a confidentiality/fiduciary agreement prior to the PLAR development workshop prohibiting the discussion or disclosure of any information obtained while acting as a PLAR Evaluator.

ABOUT THE PLAR

PLAR is a systematic process that allows individuals to identify, document, have assessed and gain recognition for their prior learning, namely, knowledge, skills and attitudes (competencies) gained through formal and/or non-formal and/or experiential work experiences. The process is also used for diagnostic purposes to identify further training needs.

ABOUT CADTR

The Canadian Alliance of Dental Technology Regulators (CADTR) is the national federation of dental technology regulators in Canada. Currently five of the eight dental technology regulators are members of CADTR. Members work together at a national level on matters which support the regulatory mandate of each provincial jurisdiction to protect the public interest.

CADTR is the central point of contact for internationally and domestically educated professionals who want to become licensed and practice dental technology in Canada. CADTR provides information about coming to Canada, guidance in getting registered with a dental technology regulator (DTR), and tools to help applicants get started in their home country. CADTR, on behalf of their members, evaluate the education and qualifications of applicants educated in Canada and abroad in dental technology and other dental health programs. They also set and administer the Dental Technology Entry-to-Practice Assessment (DTETPA) to determine a candidate’s readiness for safe, effective and independent dental technology practice.

HOW TO SUBMIT YOUR EXPRESSION OF INTEREST

If you are interested in participating in this project as PLAR Pilot Evaluator, please email a brief cover letter outlining your relevant qualifications and experience, along with your résumé to t.eftekari@constructmeasures.ca.

Please include “CADTR–PLAR PATHWAY PILOT–EVALUATOR” in the subject line of your email.

The deadline to apply is December 10, 2025.

Space is limited and will be filled on a first come, first served basis.

 

Description	Fee (CAD)
REGISTRATION FEES
Initial Application	$250.00
Reinstatement1	$880.00
Reactivation2	$250.00
Restricted Activities Authorization3	$85.00
PRACTICE PERMIT 20264
January 1 - June 30	$880.00
July 1 - December 315	$440.00
Late Renewal (November 30 - December 31)	$200.00
NEW GRADUATES
Initial Application6	$250.00
Practice Permit7	$880.00
NON-REGULATED MEMBER FEES
Educational Student Member8	$10.00
DLTA	$100.00
REFUNDS (Annual Practice Permit Fees Only)
Before January 31	75% of annual practice permit fee
Before June 30	50% of annual practice permit fee
After July 1	No Refund
ASSESSMENT FEE
Registration Review	$200.00
Substantial Equivalence Assessment	$200.00
APPEALS
Complaint Director Decision9	$200.00
Hearing Tribunal Decision10	$200.00
Complaint Review Committee Decision11	$200.00
OTHER
Declined Payment/NSF	$50.00
Letter of Standing	$25.00

1. individuals who are not cancelled in good standing are subject to the reinstatement fee (no statutory declaration competed per s 4.13.3 of the CDTA Bylaws)
2. individuals who are cancelled in good standing are subject to the reactivation fee (statutory declaration competed per s 4.13.3 of the CDTA Bylaws)
3. Fee is in addition to the annual practice permit fee for additional errors and omissions insurance
4. Applies January 1 – December 31 for full and temporary-conditional members
5. Fees for individuals engaged in the unregulated practice of dental technology will not be pro-rated
6. Initial application fees will be waived for educational student members
7. Fee is for any applicant who has not been registered and/or licensed in any other jurisdiction and is applying within 12 months of graduation from an approved Canadian dental technology program
8. Fee is for any individual currently enrolled in the NAIT DLT program. Educational student membership will expire immediately upon completion of the program
9. Appeal fees may be refunded if the appeal decision is in favor of the appellant
10. Appeal fees may be refunded if the appeal decision is in favor of the appellant
11. Appeal fees may be refunded if the appeal decision is in favor of the appellant

APPROVED BY COUNCIL SEPTEMBER 15, 2025

The College of Dental Technologists of Alberta (CDTA) is a regulatory organization responsible for overseeing and directing the practice of Dental Technologists and Dental Technicians to ensure Albertans receive sale, competence, and ethical health care. 

The CDTA operates under the Alberta Health Professions Act and is funded through fees from their regulated members (registrants.)

Up-to-date information on registrant fees can be found in the 2026 Fee Schedule.

How are Fees Determined? 

The CDTA strives to minimize the impact of fees on registrants, setting them only as high as necessary to cover operating costs and meet our regulatory responsibilities and government requirements. 

Fees are not set based on profit or market-driven factors such as registrants’ average income or scope of practice. Instead, the CDTA operates on a cost-recovery basis each year. 

Over the past two years, the CDTA allowed for small deficit budgets to help minimize financial stress on registrants.

Financial oversight is provided by the CDTA’s Finance Committee, which always includes at least two registrants to ensure their perspective is represented. The Committee reviews each annual budget in detail and makes recommendations to Council regarding both the operating budget and fees. 

The CDTA Council reviews these recommendations alongside other relevant information, such as strategic planning priorities, and makes the final decisions. 

About the Council

Why are Fees Increasing for 2026?

As with other organizations across Canada, the CDTA sees operating costs rise each year and must annually evaluate our financial health to ensure we continue to protect the public and meet our regulatory responsibilities.

As part of both of these goals, the CDTA is focused on strengthening communications and governance within our organization. (You can find more information in our Strategic Plan.)

To support these initiatives, the CDTA has brought on a Communications Lead and changed the Complaints Director role from contract position to a permanent staff position.

These roles are already helping us to support registrants with clearer and more friendly resources and improving CDTA operations.

What Other Factors Affect Fees? 

Because fees are based on the operational needs of the organization, they are influenced by any factors that have affected the total funds collected and the costs associated with fulfilling our regulatory responsibilities in recent years. 

Total Number of Registrants 

Every health regulatory College in Alberta, regardless of its size, is required to meet the same responsibilities and obligations under the Health Professions Act. Larger Colleges, with thousands of members, can spread operating costs across a broader base, which helps reduce the fee burden on each individual member. 

The more regulated member a College has, the more fees that are collected and the easier it is to meet operational budgets. 

The CDTA currently has just over 470 registrants making it one of the smallest health profession regulatory colleges in Alberta. As a result, we’re not able to spread costs out like larger colleges that have thousands of registrants. 

Complaints and Discipline 

Handling public complaints is one of the CDTA’s most important responsibilities, but it can also be one of the most costly. Complaints often involve detailed investigations, expert reviews, and legal processes, all of which require significant time and resources. 

While a regulatory college can recover some of these costs through fees or penalties, there are strict limitations on how much a college can recover. This usually results in over half of complaints-related expenses coming from CDTA operating funds. 

When registrants proactively comply with regulatory requirements and adhere to professional standards and ethics, there are fewer complaints filed, which helps reduce costs for the entire profession. 

Professional Liability Insurance 

For all health-related professionals, Professional Liability Insurance (PLI) is important for protecting the public from the financial burdens that can occur in cases of alleged negligence. 

While some regulators require each professional to purchase their own PLI, the CDTA has made PLI coverage automatic for all registrants and integrated the costs into their annual feeds. 

This ensures that all registrants consistently maintain the required coverage to safeguard Albertans. 

Regulatory Compliance 

The CDTA is responsible for ensuring registrants meet all their regulatory responsibilities, including renewing their practice permits on time and keeping up with the Continuing Competence Program (CCP). 

CDTA has limited staff to help keep operating costs small. This means tasks like checks, audits, reminders, and follow-ups can use up resources quickly when there are missed deadlines or delays in resolving compliance issues. 

When overall compliance with regulatory requirements is lower, the CDTA needs to spend more time and resources on reminders, monitoring, and follow-up. This extra workload increases expenses, which ultimately impacts fees.

Reserve Fund 

It’s important for organizations like the CDTA to maintain a reserve fund to ensure we continue to meet our responsibilities in the event of unplanned expenses or a sudden rise in costs. 

The CDTA’s Council is responsible for setting the reserve target to make sure the organization remains sustainable. At present, the CDTA is meeting this target. 

Strategy and Operations

The CDTA’s finances are reviewed every year by independent auditors. The results are both filed with the government and made publicly available in our annual reports. You can access these reports at any time on our website:  CDTA Annual Reports. 

In addition to detailed financial statements and auditor’s notes, the Annual Reports also include information about registration statistics, complaints investigations, and Council decisions. 

Learn More 

Information about our leadership, current initiatives, and how you can get involved: 

• About the Council
• 2024–2027 Strategic Plan
• Annual Reports 

You can also reach out to us directly at membersinfo@cdta.ca 

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Last Updated: August 20, 2025

Earn a Free CPP Credit as an Email Communications Tester

The CDTA is seeking registrants to give feedback on an updated approach to our email communications. 

Participants will review two examples of email messages, then meet with researchers to provide feedback. Participation is expected to take no more than an hour, and will take place entirely online. 

In exchange for your time, you’ll receive a certificate of participation that can be uploaded to your CDTA.ca account for 1 hour of Continuing Competence Program (CCP) credit. A credit will be earned by every registrant who participates in testing, even if you have already taken part in a research activity this year! 

Ready to take part? Schedule your feedback session now! 

More about this project 

In the last few months, the CDTA has been working with independent researchers from Onlea to improve communication with registrants. 

Dental technology professionals play a key role in ensuring Albertans receive safe and high-quality care. So far we’ve spoken to many of you about how we support you in that role, and what we can do better. 

We’ve learned that for many, email communications are an essential source of information, but also have a lot of room for improvement. In response, we are testing a new approach to emails with great focus on reader-friendly templates, actionable topics, and plain language. 

A huge thank you to everyone who has participated so far! Registrant feedback is essential to making the CDTA better and your feedback has greatly informed the approach we are now testing. 

College of Dental Technologists of Alberta Learn more about our initiatives in the CDTA 2024 – 2027 Strategic Plan

The College of Dental Technologists of Alberta (CDTA), in partnership with the Canadian Alliance of Dental Technology Regulators (CADTR), is pleased to announce an exciting Request for Proposals (RFP) for the development of a modular, single-discipline Performance-Based Assessment (PBA). 

This project marks a significant step toward modernizing licensure pathways in dental technology and creating a more accessible, fair, and modular certification system. 

The successful proponent will lead the design, pilot, and implementation of a psychometrically sound and legally defensible PBA model aligned with CADTR’s National Essential Entry-to-Practice Competencies and Alberta’s legislated framework for Dental Technicians. 

Key Dates: 

Deadline: August 11, 2025 at 4:00 PM MDT 

Interviews (if required): Before August 21, 2025 

Vendor Selected: September 15, 2025 

Submission Details: 

Proposals must include a detailed feasibility assessment, organizational qualifications, methodology, budget, and references. 

Interested proponents should submit proposals to tara@cdta.ca with the subject line: “CDTA-PBA-2025 Proposal Submission” For full RFP documentation and eligibility requirements, please visit the CADTR website. 

Please note: No questions will be answered within three days of the proposal deadline.

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