Definition:

• "Technical" activities mean those that directly relate to the scope of practice of dental technology as defined by the Health Professions Act.

• "Non-technical" activities mean those that relate to other responsibilities of a dental technologist.

• Credits obtained are awarded on an hour-per-hour basis. Significant breaks such as lunch periods will be deducted.

• A maximum of 10 credits can be applied to every year of the five year cycle.

Maximum number of credits that will be approved in the following time periods:

7 hours for one full day

4 hours for one half day

3 hours for one evening

10 hours for any given 24 hour period

• A technical credit of one hour will be awarded for registration at an approved professional convention in addition to attending any presentations.

• Credits may be obtained at courses, lectures, study clubs, and seminars on technical and/or non-technical subjects. Usually registrants attend local events, but may attend courses in distant locations.

• Most courses are not pre-approved. The Registrar’s office usually receives notification of attendance or claims for approval after registrants have attended the event.

• Registrants may request credits for a publication

• Registrants may request credits for preparing and presenting a course/lecture.

• Registrants may request credits for time spent attending study clubs.

Definition: A study club must consist of more than two members. Approval for a study club program must be obtained in advance.

• Registrants who facilitate the organization of a course may request credits.

• Part-time or full time educational instructors may claim credit points.

• Registrants who are involved in long distance or self-directed study might claim credit points.

• Examiners and exam co-ordinators may request credit for exam participation.

A course sponsor must provide the following information for a Registrant.

• A course outline – with a specified breakdown of the topic, the duration of the course excluding breaks such as lunch

• A brief resume of the principal speaker/instructor including professional credentials

• The date and location of the course

• If available, the course announcement, outline brochure or certificate that will further assist the committee in their review of the course

In some instances, registrants may be asked to provide additional information before a course approval request is considered.

• Note many suppliers offer courses. You can be placed on their mailing list by contacting the local company representative.

• Your Professional College holds annual conventions and other related associations such as the Edmonton District Convention and the ADA Convention. These are often open to members and non-members alike.

• NAIT and other Universities and colleges offer many professionally relevant programs. Registrants should check the calendars and local colleges for information and dates.

• The CDTA Vocational Training Centre provides customized programming for interested Registrants  and as wells maintains a videotape library. (Completion of a quiz at the end of a tape is required, and the certificate is required for submission toward Con-Ed.)

• Oral Health and other professional magazines publish self-study articles over a three-year period for a maximum of 30 credits.

• The University of British Columbia maintains a video tape library of Clinical topics in Dentistry at the Continuing Dental Education Department, #105 – 2194 Health Sciences Mall, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z3; telephone enquiries at 1-604-822-2627. Many of these tapes have been approved for continuing education credits. Completion of the quiz at the end of the tape is required and a certificate will be issued by the UBC Continuing Dental Education Department. A copy of the certificate should be submitted to the College office in order to claim credits.

• The National Association of Dental Laboratories’ Wealth of Knowledge (WOK) tapes are available for rental from Alexandria, Virginia.

• Registrants are encouraged to explore other means of continuing competency opportunities. Keep in mind that the committee would be likely to approve courses offered by the following:

• a. Government health departments or agencies

• b. Other health care organizations

• c. Any accredited school, university or college providing education in the dental field.