Is My Dental Assistant Registered?
We maintain a public registry to provide patients and employers with real-time information about dental assistants in Alberta. You can use it to see if your dental assistant is currently authorized to practise.
In Alberta, the titles dental assistant/DA and registered dental assistant/RDA are protected by legislation. Only individuals registered with the College of Alberta Dental Assistants can use these titles. Employers are obligated to ensure, when employing a dental assistant, that the individual is registered with us. Employers also need to be aware of advanced practices and conditions imposed on the dental assistant’s practice permit (licence).
Active
An active practice permit means the person is registered and currently authorized by the College to practice the profession of dental assisting in Alberta.
Advanced Practice Authorizations
If advanced practices are listed, it means the person is authorized to perform the services in addition to national entry-level services, based on additional education or demonstrated competence.
Cancelled
A cancelled register category or practice permit means the person is no longer registered and must reinstate before practicing the profession of dental assisting or using the protected titles in Alberta.
Conditions
If conditions are listed, it means the person may practice dental assisting, but only within the specific limits or requirements set by the College. For example, supervision requirements.
Courtesy
The Courtesy Register is a time-limited register for dental assistants who are registered and in good standing in another Canadian jurisdiction and need temporary authorization to practice in Alberta for a specific, approved purpose.
Disciplinary Action
If disciplinary actions are listed, it means the College found the person did not meet required standards and took formal action to protect the public. Review discipline decisions for details.
General
The General Register is the most common. It’s for dental assistants who have met all the registration and entry-to-practice requirements set by the College.
Provisional
The Provisional Register is a temporary register which allows a dental assistant to practice the profession, under supervision, while they are working toward meeting all requirements for the General Register.
Suspended
A suspended register category or practice permit means the person is temporarily not authorized to practice and must not provide dental assisting services.
For anyone who is listed on our registers, you will see their:
- name
- registration number
- practice permit status
- effective and expiry date of their status
- conditions on practice
- advanced practice authorizations
- disciplinary actions
The registry helps you verify that a dental assistant is currently authorized to practice. The registry does not compromise personal information of our registrants as it complies with the requirements of the Health Professions Act 34(1) and follows the guidelines of the Personal Information Protection Act. The information is not designed, nor is it intended to be used, for any other purpose.
How to verify a dental assistant
You can search for a dental assistant on our registry by their first or last name, or by registration number.
If you’re unable to find the person you’re searching for, please contact us at contact@abrda.ca or 780-486-2526.
Information read in the public registry should be considered current as of the date and time obtained as it is subject to change. If the information displayed on the public registry and that provided by the Registrar is different, the Registrar is deemed correct. If you have inquiries about this directory contact the College at contact@abrda.ca.
The dental assistant registers in Alberta
There are two registers in Alberta for practising, regulated members. They are the General Register and the Provisional Register.
General Register
The General Register is the most common. It’s for dental assistants who have met all the registration requirements.
Dental assistants on the General Register:
- may use the titles registered dental assistant or initials RDA, and dental assistant or initials DA
- may, when authorized, perform the advanced practices
- hold professional liability insurance coverage
- must renew their practice permit annually
- must participate in our Continuing Competence Program activities
Provisional Register
The Provisional Register is a temporary register which allows a dental assistant to practise dental assisting before they have completed the National Dental Assisting Examining Board theory examination (the profession’s entry to practice exam).
Dental assistants on the Provisional Register:
- may practise only under the supervision of a dentist, dental hygienist or denturist
- may only use the title dental assistant or initials DA
- must complete outstanding registration requirements within 365 calendar days
- may not stay on the provisional register for more than 365 calendar days
- may, when authorized, perform the advanced practices
- name
- registration number
- practice permit status
- practice permit expiry date
- conditions on practice
- advanced practice authorizations
Frequently asked questions
Yes, you are entitled to know the full name of the dental assistant providing your care.
Under the Health Professions Act, dental assistants must:
- have a practice permit issued in their full name
- display their practice permit or provide it on request
The registration process varies. Visit our For Applicants section for information about the registration requirements.
Registration timelines vary. Visit our For Applicants section for information about the registration timelines. When we receive a registration application that is complete and straightforward, a decision is typically made within 10 business days.
