A Certified Dental Assistant is a dental health professional who works closely with and under the supervision of a dentist.They work with patients by performing tasks before and after the dentist meets with the patient and assist the dentist during certain dental procedures.

A CDA can take and develop xrays, develop infection control protocols within an office (including preparing and sterlizing equipment and instruments), provide patients with instructions following surgery, take impressions of teeth for casts, and much more.

We are currently actively trying to determine how CDAs will be licensed under the new BC College of Health Professionals. Our belief is that CDAs should qualify as a health profession, because we know there is some risk that a CDA could accidentally harm a patient, and as such, ensuring CDAs meet high standards of practice is important for the advancement of the profession. On the other hand, to be regulated in this province, a profession must show that they are designing and directing patient care.  We hope you will join us in helping to seek clarity and move CDAs forward to be recognized as an important voice at the table when it comes to planning oral health in BC.

Check in with your CDA to learn more about what they do and the education that is required in order for them to fulfill their role on the healthcare team.