Attributes, Competencies and Experiences

For Councillors and Committee Members

There are many qualities and abilities that will benefit you in your role with our College. We put together this list of attributes, competencies and experiences to describe the kinds of things that will support and enhance the work our Councillors and committee members do.

As you review the list, keep in mind that we work toward building teams of people who, within their group, will have the competencies necessary for their given role (for example, Council or a particular committee). We don’t expect one person to have them all.

It’s also important to note that for some roles (for example, a particular committee) we may put more emphasis on certain competencies for that team to be effective in their work.

Attributes

COMMUNICATION

• express ideas and information clearly and concisely
• recognize who the audiences are and frame communications appropriately
• listen to others
• debate respectfully

COMMITMENT

• demonstrate commitment to regulating registrants in the public interest
• show up prepared and ready to participate in discussion, debate and decision making
• attendance at Council meetings, events and professional development is a priority
• abide by the governance and legal responsibilities of council members

COLLABORATIVE

• contribute to discussion and debate
• work effectively with diverse groups of people
• understand a variety of perspectives
• build consensus for appropriate solutions

CRITICAL THINKING

• consider issues from multiple perspectives
• identify problems and solutions others might miss
• provide insight and constructive criticism in complex situations

DECISION MAKING

• base decisions on facts and verified information
• provide clear rationale for decisions
• consider long term consequences and implications of decisions

VISIONARY

• ability to imagine long-term goals and outcomes for the College and profession within the mandate of serving and protecting the public interest
• ability to anticipate opportunities to engage proactively in an evolving health care system
• desire to enhance the dental assistant’s role in serving the public interest

Competencies

GOVERNANCE

• understand and support the mandate, values and goals of the College
• ensure decisions reflect the role of the College and Council
• understand the relationships between Council, the public, dental assistants, College administration and stakeholders
• demonstrate high ethical standards
• acknowledge and declare real and/or perceived conflicts of interest and personal biases

DENTAL ASSISTING PRACTICE

• demonstrate competent and ethical dental assisting practice
• understand the value and implications of advanced practices and specialty training
• understand the strengths and challenges of dental assisting in meeting the needs of the public
• know and support diverse models of dental practice within the confines of ethics, access to care and patient need
• demonstrate adherence to the College Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics
• understand the current acceptable standard of care and the dental assistant’s role in that care

FINANCES

• understand financial statements
• understand budgets
• demonstrate fiscal responsibility

TEAMWORK

• optimize collaboration with appropriate partners and colleagues
• demonstrate ability to work as a team member
• work effectively with multiple groups with unique perspectives and skills

Experiences

GOVERNANCE

• condo boards
• committee work: group work, optimizing collaboration
• community leagues and sports leadership
• student council
• educator: understanding goals, outcomes and evaluations

DENTAL ASSISTING PRACTICE

• advanced practices
• specialty modules
• general/specialty practice
• community health: research and education
• rural/urban practice
• large/small practices
• administrative experience

FINANCES

• practice administration
• inventory control: ordering
• billings: insurance