All dental assistants need to be aware of this important information:
Emergency Treatment Only
On March 17, 2020, we notified all dental assistants that there was an immediate and mandatory suspension of all non-emergency dental treatment and services. Therefore, as of March 17, and until further notice, you may only provide dental assisting services as part of emergency treatment according to the Alberta Dental Association and College’s (ADA&C) Guidelines on Emergency Treatment.
Duty to Report
You must report if you know of or have reason to suspect that there may be a threat to public health. This includes if a regulated member of a health profession is not complying with orders related to the COVID-19 pandemic.
For example, the ADA&C issued a mandatory suspension of all non-emergency dental treatment and services on March 17. The province suspended non-essential health services except in urgent cases on March 27.
Depending on the situation, you may need to report to the college that regulates the health profession and or to the Medical Officer of Health.
Your duty to report is a requirement of the Health Professions Act and our Standards of Practice.
Malpractice Insurance
The malpractice insurance coverage you have through our College only covers you for authorized practice. Until we notify you otherwise, you are only authorized to provide emergency treatment. In other words, you don’t have malpractice insurance coverage if you are providing non-emergency treatment.
Make Informed Decisions
We are all trying to keep up with the rapidly changing situation. It is important to stay informed and make decisions based on the most recent information available. Reach out if you need help. If we don’t have the answer for you, we will help direct you where to find it.