Restricted Activities in Dental Technology

Restricted activities are regulated health services regulated by law that can only be performed individuals who are authorized to perform them. Restricted activities are outlined in Part 0.1 of the Act. Restricted activities may only be performed by a person who is a regulated member of a college under the Act and who have been authorized by the respective college to perform a restricted activity.

The Act designates the fitting of dental prosthetic and orthodontic devices¹ as a restricted activity. The HPRAR provides the college with the authority to grant authorization dental technologists and dental technicians, who have completed additional training approved by Council, to fit dental prosthetic and orthodontic devices for the purpose of colour matching or determining a preliminary fit. In the profession of dental technology, fitting of dental prosthetic and orthodontic devices is constrained to a preliminary fit. 

A preliminary fit² is defined as the process of fitting of the dental prosthesis or appliance during the period of fabrication, in order to check and adjust its fit, function and its aesthetic qualities. 

Not all dental technologists and dental technicians are authorized to conduct a preliminary fit of dental prosthetic and orthodontic devices. Prior to engaging in a restricted activity, an authorized dental technologist or dental technician must obtain a written direction from a dentists or denturist who is authorized to perform the restricted activity. The ultimate responsibility for determining the final fit  of any dental prosthetic or orthodontic devices lies with the prescribing dentist or denturist.

1. _{Includes fixed or removable partial or complete dentures, fixed or removable orthodontic or periodontal appliances, implant supported prostheses.}
2. _{https://cdta.ca/sites/default/files/national_essential_competencies_for…}

Regulated members intending to perform restricted activities, must familiarize themselves with Sections 10-13 of the Health Professions Restricted Activity Regulation. They must ensure their actions align with the scope of practice for the profession and their individual competence and authorization. 

Regulated members are responsible to know, understand and adhere to the Standards of Practice including but not limited: 

• Standards of Practice: Restricted Activities
• Standard of Practice: Supervision of Restricted Activities

Dental Technologists and Dental Technicians must always restrict themselves to performing only those restricted activities which they are authorized, and competent to perform, and that are appropriate to the registrant's area of practice.

Performing a restricted activity without the college's authorization is a breach under the Act that could result in significant repercussions for the RDT or DT. This includes:

1. Professional Discipline: Dental technologists and dental technicians who perform restricted activities without authorization may face professional discipline as stipulated in Part 4 of the Act. This disciplinary action may lead to sanctions including but not limited to: 
   • Suspension of Practice Permit 
   • Cancellation of Practice Permit 
   • Imposition of fines 
   • Mandatory completion of remedial training
2. Personal Liability: When a dental technologist or dental technician performs a restricted activity without authorization, they are offering services beyond their authorized scope of practice. This breach may result in the waiver of professional liability insurance coverage, thereby exposing the regulated member to personal liability. 

Read about prior professional discipline decisions here: https://cdta.ca/complaint-process/hearing-tribunal-decisions

Health Professions Act

https://open.alberta.ca/publications/h07 

Health Professions Restricted Activity Regulation 

https://open.alberta.ca/publications/2023_022 

CDTA Standards of Practice: General

https://cdta.ca/sites/default/files/CDTA%20Standards%20of%20Practice%20…;

CDTA Standards of Practice: Restricted Activities

https://cdta.ca/sites/default/files/RESTRICTED%20ACTIVITIES%20MARCH%203…;

CDTA Standards of Practice: Supervision of Restricted Activities

https://cdta.ca/sites/default/files/SUPERVISIONOFRESTRICTEDACTIVITIESMA…

Dental Technologists and Dental Technicians intending to perform restricted activities must first successfully complete Council-approved additional training and be authorized by the College.  

In collaboration with NAIT, a combined Asepsis (IPC)/Client Care Course has been developed to provide regulated members with the necessary skills and knowledge to be authorized to perform restricted activities. This course is approved by the CDTA Council to meet the legislated advanced training required for registered dental technologists and registered dental technicians to apply for restricted activities authorization.

Upon successful completion of this course, regulated members must apply to the CDTA for authorization prior to performing authorized restricted activities.

Find out more information about the course and register here.

*The College is not involved in the delivery of the course. The Course is delivered and maintained by NAIT. Any questions about registration, dates, or course content, should be directed to NAIT. 

Applying for Restricted Activities Authorization 

Qualified Regulated Members must apply to the CDTA for restricted activities authorization prior to providing any direct patient care. You can access the application form below. 

Restricted Activity Recognition Application Form