The CDA Alliance and BCDHA support a number of member committees that engage individual Certified Dental Assistants (CDAs), Dental Hygienists (DHs) and Dental Therapists (DTs) in collaborative discussion and the development of resources around a specific issue.

We welcome CDA members on these committees.  Please email cda@bcdha.com if you are interested.

 

 

Practice Resource Committee

The Practice Resource Committee (PRC) recognizes the need for quick access to high-quality practice resources to support evidence-based, patient-centred care. The PRC develops practice resources for the Association’s Certified Dental Assistant, Dental Hygienist, and Dental Therapist members.

Presently, PRC projects include:

  • quick references guides and factsheets for chairside use
  • video content
  • robust collection of resources in a B.C.-specific knowledge hub

Committee members: Agnes Arevalo (CDA), Harnet Berhe (CDA), Laura Lanfranchi (DHP), Dawn Moon (DHP), Tracy Tripple (RDH)

Staff support: Shannon Wilson DHP(C)

Committee for Accessibility and Oral Health

The Committee for Accessibility and Oral Health  is passionate about improving the experiences and outcomes of patients and clients who struggle to access proper oral care because of the reluctance of dental clinics to manage complex physical or behavioural challenges.

Committee members: Cheryl Luettger (DHP), Isabelle Kuo (DHP), Jackie Tong (IDHP), Kayla Ragosin-Miller (RDH), Linda McKay (DHP), Nikki Griffith (RDH), Taryn Lewis (RDH)

Staff Support:  Afifa Eider (RDH)

Quality Assurance Committee

The Quality Assurance (QA) Committee supports and advocates for an equitable Quality Assurance Program (QAP) for dental hygiene members in BC.

Presently, QA Committee projects include:

  • Member survey on QAP Experience
  • Executive Summary & Briefing note to CDHBC/BCCOHP about recommended QAP changes
  • QAP Study supports.

Committee members: Tracy Merritt, Susan Backus

Staff support: Afifa Eider RDH(C), Andrea Burton and Shannon Wilson (DHP(C)

Interprofessional Collaboration (IPC) Committee

THIS COMMITTEE IS SEEKING NEW MEMBERS

The Interprofessional Collaboration (IPC) Committee embraces a leadership role in building the interprofessional collaborative practice capacity of oral health professionals. Interprofessional collaboration, as defined by the World Health Organization, occurs when health care providers from varying professional backgrounds collaborate with “patients, families, carers and communities to deliver the highest quality of care across settings” (1). The IPC Committee supports an evidence-informed approach to promoting facilitators and removing barriers to interprofessional care in British Columbia.

Presently, IPC Committee projects include:

  • the development of events and resources for health professionals, oral health care providers, and patients
  • literature review and knowledge dissemination
  • collaborative initiatives

Committee members: Aiste Zevick RDH(C); Vanessa Johnson DHP(C)

Staff support: Afifa Eidher RDH(C)

Long Term Care Policy Table

The Long Term Care Policy Table (LTC/AL) supports members working in complex care and advocates for appropriate oral health care for long term care residents.

Presently, LTC Policy Table projects include:

  • Government advocacy including collaboration with the Seniors Advocate  to discuss oral health in LTC
  • Joint planning and webinars with BC Dental Association on oral health in Long Term Care
  • Environmental scan for oral health resources
  • Co-branding of resources for oral health care professionals and family members.

Committee members: Roxana Ayala, Christina Capy, Jennifer Halls, Dawn Moon, Sara Niemi &  Leah Thomson.

Board Support: Leta Zaleski, DHP(C)

Staff support: Shannon Wilson, DHP(C)