Is My Dental Assistant Registered?

We maintain a public registry to provide patients and employers with real-time information about dental assistants in Alberta. You can use it to see if your dental assistant is currently authorized to practice.

In Alberta, the titles dental assistant/DA and registered dental assistant/RDA are protected by legislation. Only individuals registered with the College of Alberta Dental Assistants can use these titles. Employers are obligated to ensure, when employing a dental assistant, that the individual is registered with us. Employers also need to be aware of advanced practices and conditions imposed on the dental assistant’s practice permit (licence).

The dental assistant registers in Alberta

There are two registers in Alberta for practising, regulated members. They are the General Register and the Provisional Register.

General Register

The General Register is the most common. It’s for members who have met all the registration requirements.

Dental assistants on the General Register:

• may use the titles registered dental assistant or initials RDA, and dental assistant or initials DA
• may, when authorized, perform the advanced practices
• hold professional liability insurance coverage
• must renew their practice permit annually
• must participate in our Continuing Competence Program activities

Provisional Register

The Provisional Register is a temporary register which allows a dental assistant to practice dental assisting before they have completed the National Dental Assisting Examining Board theory examination (the profession’s entry to practice exam).

Dental assistants on the Provisional Register:

• may practice only under the supervision of a dentist, dental hygienist or denturist
• may only use the title dental assistant or initials DA
• must complete outstanding registration requirements within 365 calendar days
• may not stay on the provisional register for more than 365 calendar days
• may, when authorized, perform the advanced practices

What the Dental Assistant Registry shows

For anyone who is listed on our registers, you will see their:

• name
• registration number
• practice permit status
• practice permit expiry date
• conditions on practice
• advanced practice authorizations

How to verify a dental assistant

You can search for a dental assistant on our registry by their first or last name, or by registration number.

If you’re unable to find the person you’re searching for, please contact us at contact@abrda.ca or 780-486-2526.