Continuing Competence Program (CCP)
The Continuing Competence Program (CCP) supports public safety and meets the requirements of the Health Professions Act. Lifelong learning is at the heart of being a competent dental assistant.
Understand your annual requirements
Each year, you’re required to plan and complete learning activities and maintain current practice to meet CCP requirements.
Review details about completing your annual CCP requirements
How the CCP works
The CCP supports your professional learning through an Assess, Achieve, Analyze approach. By completing self-assessments, setting and achieving annual learning goals, reflecting on what you learned, and demonstrating current practice, you show your ongoing commitment to safe, high-quality, people-centred care.
Review the Continuing Competence Program Manual (PDF)
Periodically, we’ll audit your competence records to ensure you’re effectively participating in the CCP. You’ll be notified in January if you’re selected, and we’ll help you navigate the requirements so you can strengthen your learning through the CCP.
Learn more about the CCP audit
CCP forms and learning tools
Explore the College’s forms, videos, and learning tools to support you in completing the CCP. These resources offer high-level guidance and point you to more detailed support as needed.
Frequently asked questions
No. The CCP is not based on CE credits or points. Instead, you must complete a minimum of two learning objectives during each registration year.
A learning objective is a learning goal you set for yourself based on assessing your own practice. It explains what you want to learn or improve and why it matters to your role as a dental assistant.
You complete a learning objective by following the Continuing Competence Program (CCP) process of Assess, Achieve, and Analyze. First, you’ll identify a learning goal, then complete a learning activity of your choice, and finally you’ll reflect on how the learning impacted your practice by describing what changed or what you do differently.
A learning objective is successful when you can identify a change in your practice, knowledge, or skills. Learning objectives are documented in the CADA Portal.
Example: Completing a Learning Objective Using the CCP Process
This example is provided to show how the CCP Assess–Achieve–Analyze process works. When completing your own learning objective, you must enter the information in the required fields in the CADA Portal. The wording and layout in the portal may look different from this example.
Learning Goal (ASSESS)
Improve my knowledge of infection prevention and control by reviewing current IPC standards.
Learning Activity (ACHIEVE)
Reviewed current IPC standards and completed an IPC-focused learning activity (e.g., course, webinar, or self-study).
Successful Learning Objective (ANALYZE)
Applied current IPC standards consistently in daily practice, resulting in improved adherence to cleaning, disinfection, and PPE protocols.
For more guidance, watch Video #2 in the CCP Video Series.
Yes. You can still renew your practice permit if you meet one of the following options at the time you submit your renewal application.
Option 1: Practice Hours
You can provide proof of at least 300 practice hours that are less than three years old at the time of renewal.
Example: If you apply for renewal on November 15, 2026, you must have proof of 300 practice hours that fall between November 15, 2023, and November 15, 2026.
Option 2: Substantial Equivalence
If you do not meet the practice hour requirement, you may still renew if, within the past three years, you have:
- graduated from a dental assisting program
- completed a clinical refresher course
- successfully completed the NDAEB clinical practice evaluation or
- held current dental assisting practice rights in another regulated Canadian province
You may provide a school transcript, certificate of completion, or a written statement explaining how you meet the requirements as proof of substantial equivalence
For more guidance, watch Video #3 in the CCP Video Series.
You can achieve your learning objectives by completing learning activities that fit how and when you learn best. Learning can be completed at a time that is convenient for you and may include:
- self-study (such as online modules, articles, or textbooks)
- online tutorial videos or recorded learning sessions
- webinars or virtual courses
- conferences or workshops
- formal education or training programs
- mentorship or workplace learning
Yes. All registrants—including Provisional Dental Assistants, new graduates, and those who registered late in the registration year—must complete CCP requirements to renew their practice permit.
If you hold a valid practice permit, you’re required to complete a minimum of two learning objectives each registration year by November 30.
CPR is not a mandatory annual renewal requirement. However, you may use one CPR or CPR-related learning objective once every five years as part of your CCP.
Please note: If sedation in any form is used in your workplace, you must follow the Standard of Practice: Minimal and Moderate Sedation, Deep Sedation, and General Anesthesia. In these practice settings, CPR and first aid education are required and must be maintained as outlined in the standards. CPR, first aid, or emergency training may also be required by your employer or workplace policies.
