Since first introducing our Patient Relations
Learning Module, we have required every dental assistant to complete it once, with all new dental assistants completing it during their first year of practice. Last year, our Council decided to make patient relations learning a yearly requirement to ensure dental assistants are maintaining this knowledge in the interest of public safety.
Meeting the Requirement
To support this new requirement, we developed a Patient Relations Refresher that focuses on the key concepts in the Module. Dental assistants must complete the full Module before the Refresher. Once they have completed the full Module, they may use the Refresher to meet the yearly learning requirement.
For example, before renewing their practice permit this fall:
- a new dental assistant must complete the full Module
- a dental assistant who has already completed the full Module may complete the Refresher
Patient Relations Learning
We introduced our Patient Relations Learning Module in response to the Health Professions Act requiring colleges to establish a patient relations program that includes measures to prevent and address sexual abuse and sexual misconduct towards patients by regulated members. Our new Refresher will support ongoing learning.
Dental assistants can access the Module and the Refresher in our Professional Practice Learning Centre. These learning tools are free and available to be used as often as needed, including retaking part or all of the Module for a more in-depth review at any time.
Get answers to your questions.
If you’d like to know more about the patient relations learning requirement, please reach out to our Regulatory Compliance Advisors with your questions.
If you are a dental assistant with questions about the patient relations learning requirement, we put together these Patient Relations Learning Questions and Answers to help you. You may also reach out to our Regulatory Compliance Advisors any time you need guidance.