IPC Guideline Updates
In 2022, we introduced infection prevention and control (IPC) guidelines, developed as a collaboration between the College of Dental Technologists of Alberta, the College of Alberta Dental Assistants, the College of Alberta Denturists and the Alberta College of Dental Hygienists.
The Infection Prevention and Control Guidelines have been updated to reflect current best practices and align with provincial and national health resources. These revisions are part of our ongoing commitment to ensuring the highest standards of safety and care.
Key revisions include:
- adding detailed information about control measures, inspection of instruments and storage and handling
- emphasizing the importance of a point-of-care risk assessment for decision-making
- aligning with CDSA’s Infection Prevention and Control Standards and Risk Management for Dentistry and Alberta Health Standards
- incorporating the College of Dental Technologists of Alberta’s new branding and the Alberta College of Dental Hygienists’ new name and branding
A summary of changes is available for your review here.
We strongly encourage you to familiarize yourself with these updates to ensure compliance and maintain the highest level of infection prevention and control in your practice.
You can access the updated guidelines here.
NAIT Co-Op Information: Dental Technology Diploma Progam
The NAIT Dental Technology Program is proud to announce the introduction of the new Co-op Work Experience Program!
Students will have the opportunity to hone the skills they have gained during the first year of their studies, acquire additional professional skills, assess potential career directions, and gain career-related work experience.
You can find more information about the program and how you can support it here.
2024 Council Election Results
Two regulated member positions on Council were open for election in the 2024 election. Because the number of nominations received was less than the number of vacancies on Council, the Nomination and Election Committee filled one position by acclamation on a 3-year term in accordance with the CDTA Bylaws.
One position remains vacant and will be filled by Council in accordance with Part 3(10)(3) of the CDTA bylaws “Vacancies on Council”
Read More Here
Access to Dental Technology (ADT), Phase II Project
The Canadian Alliance of Dental Technology Regulators (CADTR) is excited to announce the launch of Access to Dental Technology, Phase II project. Funded in-part by the Government of Canada’s Foreign Credential Recognition Program, this 3-year project aims to increase and streamline opportunities for licensure for internationally educated applicants seeking licensure in one of Canada’s regulated jurisdictions.
Read More Here
Committee Opportunities
The College of Dental Technologists of Alberta is guided and advised by committees made up of Registered Dental Technologists, Registered Dental Technicians and Public Members. Participating in the CDTA's committees is an excellent way to positively impact the dental technology profession in Alberta. Committee members gain valuable skills in governance and leadership. The College is seeking applicants for the following Committees:
1) Finance Committee ( <- Click to open )
2) Registration, Education and Competence Committee ( <- Click to open)
Interested in gaining more knowledge about the CDTA's regulatory responsibilities and getting more involved with the CDTA?
Please explore the current opportunities and apply using the links above.
2024 Practice Permit Renewal - OPEN
The 2024 Practice Permit Renewal is now OPEN
Members must be logged in to access the renewal system
You can complete your practice permit renewal and find more information here:
https://cdta.ca/member-area/2024-practice-permit-renewal
Need help? Contact the College office
Ph: 780.469.0615
Email: membersinfo@cdta.ca
Standards of Practice Consultation (CLOSED)
Consultation is open August 21 - September 4, 2023.
Find more information, access the DRAFT standards of practice, and provide feedback here: Standards of Practice Consultation: August, 2023.
Changes to Regulatory Documents
March 31, 2023
The College of Dental Technologists of Alberta (CDTA) Council and the Government of Alberta have approved amendments to the Dental Technologists Profession Regulation, which come into force on March 31, 2023.
These amendments are part of the ongoing work relating to Bill 46, the Health Statutes Amendment Act, 2020 (No. 2), which introduced changes to the Health Professions Act (HPA).
Read More: Bill 46: Changes to Regulatory Documents
Canada Dental Benefit Program
The Government of Canada will be launching an interim Canada Dental Benefit program on December 1, 2022.
Under the first stage of the Canada Dental Benefit program families with income of under $90,000 will qualify for coverage for eligible children under 12 years old. This program would provide payments of up to $650 per child. While the program launches on December 1, 2022 expenses can be claimed for dental services after October 1, 2022.
Find out more information: Canada Dental Benefit Program
NEW: Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) Guidelines
In early 2020, the College of Dental Technologists of Alberta, College of Alberta Denturists, College of Alberta Dental Assistants, and the College of Registered Dental Hygienists undertook a project to collaborate on the development of common Infection Prevention and Control Guidelines. These common Guidelines support the professions by providing a consistent standard for oral health care professionals in Alberta.
The Guidelines support dental technologists and dental technicians by:
- identifying principles
- giving instructions
- offering information and direction
- providing a framework for decision making
In November 2021, as a part of the consultation process, an earlier draft of these Guidelines was shared with you. Regulated members were encouraged to provide feedback at that time. The development process included an IPC subject matter experts and collecting feedback from regulated members of all the participating colleges to ensure that the guidelines fulfilled the colleges' mandate of protecting the public.
Following the New Guidelines
The new IPC Guidelines go into effect today, June 1, 2022. You are expected to read, understand, and to begin taking the necessary steps to implement and adhere to the Guidelines.
Each regulated member is responsible to familiarize themselves with the Guidelines and ensure that the IPC program in their workplace complies with the Guidelines following the implementation schedule.
Dental Technologists and Dental Technicians are responsible to know and understand all sections of the document and implement all requirements that apply to their individual practice and practice setting regardless of employment status.
Understanding the New Guidelines
The Colleges created the Guidelines based on the best evidence and the most current data. As such, the IPC Guidelines are dynamic and intended to reflect current best practices. It is required that you follow the Guidelines, and that you adjust current workplace IPC practices if you find that your current practice does not meet or exceed the Guidelines.
To ensure that you understand the new Guidelines, you are encouraged to:
- read them thoroughly more than once
- print them off and keep a copy in your practice
- discuss the new guidelines with your colleagues
- compare the new guidelines to your office's existing policies and procedures and
- use them to develop updated policies and procedures, if necessary
Questions?
Contact the College office:
Email: tara@cdta.ca
Phone: 780-469-0615
June 1, 2022