Since our last Annual General Meeting I continue to receive calls from members who express their frustration about individuals who continue to be employed without  License.  Member RDT’s, DT’, Practicum Students, and DLTA’s feel they are unappreciated, unrecognized, and invisible to the public and dental profession as a whole.

            The lack of recognition of the dental technology professional arises from the fact that many in the profession are eager to simply promote our activities as business interests and not as health care providers to the public.  In gatherings I find that it is common to hear ourselves referring to our practice as “business”, “industry”, and “manufacturers”.  The RDT professional is invisible and faceless and are not considered health-care professionals because we allow it.

            Times and attitudes must change!  We as members of the College are entitled by “Law” to be recognized as part of the Health-Care team as a whole.  We as members of the College of Dental Technologists of Alberta must do our part.  I encourage you to develop business cards for yourself, boldly place your name and protected title.  As “Dental Technologists” or “Dental Technicians” maintain that all communication and consultation should be between you – the RDT, DT and Dentist.  Ensure that prescriptions are directed to you who provide for the medical device.  You as the Health-care provider are liable for the end device given to the patient.

            I look forward to seeing you at our Annual General Meeting and discussing these interests with you. 

Garry Fedoretz, President

“Broadening the Professional Prospective”

The practice of Dental Technologists is governed by the Health Professions Act of Alberta (HPA).  The HPA was specifically designed to allow overlapping scopes of practice.  The HPA does not set out an exclusive practice statement of any of the regulated health professions.  Each profession lists in its schedule their practice guidelines, including any restricted activities that its members may perform.  There are many activities not listed as restricted that a Dental Technologist or Dental Technician may perform.

The HPA allows RDT’s and DT’s to perform tasks outside of their current practice as long as they have sufficient training, so that they do not endanger the public.  The College of Dental Technologists of Alberta (CDTA) believes that RDT’s and DT’s have a strong knowledge base that could enable them to expand their traditional practice.

The CDTA applauds members who expand their knowledge and skills into non traditional roles and other professions, both within and beyond the health care field. It is the responsibility of each health care professional to ensure that their members do not endanger the public by performing tasks without sufficient training.  The training and quality of service provided must reach acceptable standards.

            Licensed members increased by 175 new members for the 2009 year therefore there will be no increase in license fees for the 2010 year; however, licensing is still mandatory for the Profession of Dental Technologists.  It is no longer discretionary, but a mandatory requirement in accordance with the Health Professions Act (HPA) of Alberta.  According to HPA, employers may only hire individuals to work in facilities who are licensed with the CDTA.

2010 License Fees:

RDT &DT

Before December 1st, 2009 $840.00

December 2nd – 31^st, 2009 $1000.00 

DLTA

Before December 1st, 2009 $100.00

December 2nd – 31^st, 2009 $175.00 

DT & RDT INACTIVE; EDUCATION; PRACTICUM

Before December 1st, 2009 $210.00

December 2nd – 31^st, 2009 $285.00 

OUT OF COUNTRY & OUT OF PROVINCE

Before December 1st, 2009 $335.00

December 2nd – 31^st, 2009 $410.00

**If licensing applications are not received by December 31, 2009, licenses will be cancelled**

 CDTA Certified Dental Laboratory Update

-          Service Canada requests certification for Alberta Dental Lab prior to sponsorship of foreign trained professionals.

-          14 new Labs have been certified in 2009.

-          37% of Dental Labs in Alberta are now CDTA certified.

For more information please contact Bob Westlake at (403)519-2584 or by email at bwestlake@cdta.ca.

            The College of Dental Technologists of Alberta recognizes that to participate fully in today’s rapidly changing and dynamic society within the profession of Dental Technology, people need relevant training and skills, and recognized qualifications.  Educational and practice standards vary immensely from country to country, and most new Canadians obtained their educational credentials and experience outside Canada.

The CDTA, in response to concerns about inadequate recognition of foreign qualifications expressed by Canada Immigration and Domestic Employers, has developed a mandatory training program specific for foreign Dental Technologists to meet this need.

 Standards of Practice

Standards of Practice/Codes of Ethics and Asepsis programs to do so.  If programs are not completed by December 31, 2009, licenses will be cancelled. 

The application forms can be downloaded from the College website, or you may contact me and I will fax you a copy.

            The second topic I would like to talk to you about is your Competency profiles/educational plans for the upcoming year.  Again part of the College’s mandate and Alberta Health and Wellness is to establish and maintain a continuing competency plan for the following year.  I have been visiting many of you explaining how to go about this process.  If a group of you at your workplace would like a demonstration, please contact me.  I would be glad to show you how to complete your competency profiles and guide you in your education plan for the upcoming year.

As we continue to move forward under the Health Professions Act as a profession I am looking forward to working with all of you.  Please contact me if you have any interests regarding the above.  I can be contacted at the College by phone at (403)519-2584 or by email at bwestlake@cdta.ca. 

The H1N1 Influenza has been an ongoing concern for many people.

The Government of Alberta has been preparing the health system and the province for an influenza pandemic since 1999. Alberta’s Plan for Pandemic Influenza will direct activities of the Government of Alberta, Alberta Health Services and other key groups to ensure a coordinated response to pandemic influenza.  In order to better control this virus here are a few things that can be done:

        -Wash hands frequently using soap and water, especially after coughing, sneezing or blowing your nose.  When soap and water are not available, hand sanitizers are an excellent choice to use if hands are not visibly dirty.

-Cough or sneeze into your sleeve rather than your hand.

-Do not touch your eyes, nose or mouth after shaking hands or touching hard surfaces like counters and door handles or other surfaces that may harbour influenza and other viruses.

-If ill, stay home from work and avoid public places.

For more information go to www.healthlinkalberta.ca or call

      The meeting will be held on September 19^th, 2009 from 1 – 4pm.  It will be in Red Deer at the Red Deer Holiday Inn.  Address: 

6500 67st  Red Deer, AB.

Special Guest Presentation:

Dan Clarke, Executive Director of

Occupational Health and Safety and

Employment and Immigration

            A memorial fund for the Craig Mitchell CDTA Student Achievement Award has been set up and if you wish to make a donation please make cheques payable to the “CDTA Craig Mitchell Achievement Award” fund. To date we have received $8,200.00.