The new suite of registration policies uses a modern framework and aligns with the acts and regulations that govern the registration of health care professionals in Alberta. Largely, the new policies include the same rules and requirements as the former policies. These are the exceptions:
New applicants from non-accredited programs
Education is one of the requirements for registration as a dental assistant. We require applicants who have graduated from a program that is not accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of Canada to complete the National Dental Assisting Examining Board’s (NDAEB) written examination and Clinical Practice Evaluation (CPE).
As of January 1, 2026, applicants from non-accredited programs must successfully complete the NDAEB’s CPE and written examination to be eligible. Partial completion of the CPE will no longer be considered for provisional registration. This aligns with the NDAEB’s policy change that requires candidates from programs they consider “non-registered” to successfully complete the CPE before they can write the examination.
Reinstating a cancelled practice permit
The new REG-POL-005 Practice Permit Reinstatement includes eligibility requirements for reinstating a cancelled registration and practice permit. In the former policies, applicants returning to practice after cancellation were treated as new applicants. The new requirements for reinstatement are structured to address risk to the public based on how long the applicant has been absent from practice.
Registration policy overview
There are three main content areas in the new policies.
Entry and Pathways
REG-POL-001 through 007 define eligibility, registration pathways, and authorizations for restricted activities at both entry and advanced levels. They form the foundation of the registration framework and confirm entry-to-practice competence.
Fair Decisions
REG-POL-008 ensures all registration decisions are transparent, objective, impartial, and procedurally fair. It sets timelines, communication standards, and review or appeal rights.
Registrant Requirements
REG-POL-009 through 013 establish the professional and administrative obligations that every registrant must meet and maintain, including character, insurance, currency, language proficiency, and cancellation. Together, these policies uphold accountability, transparency, and public confidence in registration and renewal.
More to come
Council approved REG-POL-001 through 13 with the understanding that additional registration policies will be developed to govern quality assurance and educational linkages that support registration. This work will include addressing Council-approved assessments, transitions from provisional to general registration, and approved learning that meets annual competence and renewal expectations. The planned policies will reinforce oversight of assessment, learning, and continuous competence across the profession.
Policy Review
In addition to the registration policy suite, we will review and apply the new framework to all of our policies to enhance public transparency, accountability, and audit readiness. Through the review, we will strengthen our policy alignment with the acts, regulations, bylaws and standards that govern our College and profession. We will also strengthen the connection between Council’s governance role and the Registrar & CEO’s operational responsibilities.
This work supports Goal 3: Strengthen Stakeholder Trust and Engagement of our 2025-30 Strategic Plan by enhancing transparency and processes.