A Letter to CDA Alliance Members
I strongly believe that the College’s mandate to protect the public is currently being undermined due to critical gaps in oversight and regulation within dental practices.
One major concern is the increasing, unmonitored use of unregulated chairside assistants in clinical settings. These individuals often receive no formal training beyond informal, on-the-job instruction. They are permitted—sometimes even encouraged—to perform tasks that fall under restricted duties, often without adequate supervision or adherence to Infection Prevention and Control (IPAC) protocols. This presents a serious risk to patient safety and undermines the standards of care expected in regulated health professions.
The integrity and ethics of the dental profession should not be the sole mechanism for ensuring public protection. Unfortunately, the current complaints process discourages CDAs and other staff from coming forward, as complaints may require direct evidence from within the practice and could result in retaliation or job loss. CDAs are employed and supervised by the same individuals who may be engaging in unsafe practices, leaving them with little protection and few viable reporting avenues.
We urge the BCCOHP to take immediate and meaningful action, including:
- Regulating Certified Dental Assistants as Health Care Professionals
CDAs should be recognized as fully regulated professionals, with the authority and autonomy to uphold standards without fear of professional repercussions. - Mandatory Professional Liability Insurance for CDAs
This step would align CDAs with other regulated health professionals and affirm their role as accountable members of the oral health care team. - Strengthening Enforcement of IPAC and Delegation Protocols
The College must commit to proactive audits and transparent enforcement mechanisms to ensure that IPAC standards and proper delegation practices are followed in all dental offices. - Reviewing the Complaints Process for Fairness and Accessibility
The current system does not adequately support complainants, especially those within subordinate roles. It must be revised to allow for anonymous or protected reporting, with real safeguards against retaliation.
Certified Dental Assistants are trained, ethical, and passionate about patient care and public safety. To truly fulfill its mandate, the BCCOHP must empower CDAs by giving them the respect, autonomy, and protections they need to uphold high standards and advocate for safe, evidence-based care.
