Practising in Alberta
In Alberta, dental assisting is a regulated health profession. As the regulator of Alberta’s dental assisting profession, we set the requirements for registration, standards of practice, and continuing competence as we work in the public’s interest.
Protected titles
In Alberta, the titles “Dental Assistant (DA)” and “Registered Dental Assistant (RDA)” are protected titles. This means you can only use them if you’re authorized by the College.
Before you practise: You must have a practice permit
You can only work as a dental assistant in Alberta when you’re registered with the College and have a valid practice permit.
Review the pathways to registration
Dental assisting education in Alberta
Dental assisting education is an important part of becoming registered. In Alberta, we must approve or provisionally approve dental assisting education programs, and programs also need to meet Alberta Advanced Education’s requirements.
Learn about dental assisting education in Alberta
Authorized dental assisting practices in Alberta
Dental assistants in Alberta may provide a range of services, depending on what they’re authorized to do.
Entry practice
Entry practices are the core activities many dental assistants perform once they are registered and permitted to practise.
Advanced practice
Advanced practices require extra training and College authorization before you can provide them. Advanced practice areas include orthodontic, preventive, probing, and prosthodontic.
Review entry and advanced practices
What students and applicants should know
Here are a few key things to know if you plan to practise in Alberta:
- You cannot practise as a dental assistant in Alberta without being registered and having a practice permit.
- You cannot use protected titles (DA/RDA) unless you’re authorized by the College.
- Your education must meet College requirements, and you may need exams or assessments depending on your pathway.
- Advanced practice requires separate authorization before you can provide those services.
- Program approval helps ensure education programs prepare graduates for safe practice.
Frequently asked questions
Can I work as a dental assistant before I’m registered?
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No. You may practise only when you are registered with the College and have a valid practice permit.
What if I finished a program that is not accredited?
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You may still qualify, but you may need to complete additional steps, such as the National Dental Assisting Examining Board written exam and clinical practice evaluation.
Who do I contact if I have questions?
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If you have questions about a dental assistant’s authorized practice, contact our regulatory compliance team for practice advice. If you have registration questions, contact our registration team for help with applying for registration.
What is a practice permit?
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A practice permit is your authorization to practise dental assisting in Alberta. Registration alone is not enough—you must also hold a valid permit.
What’s the difference between entry practice and advanced practice?
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Entry practice includes core dental assisting activities. Advanced practice requires additional education and College authorization before you can provide those services.
How do I apply to become registered in Alberta?
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There are several pathways to registration depending on your education and background.
I just became a dental assistant. Do I need to renew my practice permit?
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Yes, all practice permits expire on November 30th. To continue practising in December, you must renew your permit by November 30th.
