Home | For Dental Assistants | Standards and Ethics

The Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics set the foundation for dental assisting practice in Alberta. Together, they guide how you practise, make decisions, and interact with patients, colleagues, and the public. They support safe, ethical, and person-centred care and help ensure public trust in the profession.

Standards of Practice

The Standards of Practice describe what is expected of you as a dental assistant. They outline the minimum requirements for safe, competent, and professional practice and apply to all practice settings and roles.

The Standards help guide your day-to-day decision-making and clarify your responsibilities, including:

  • patient safety and quality of care
  • professional accountability and competence
  • communication and collaboration
  • infection prevention and control
  • documentation and professional conduct

You are responsible for knowing, understanding, and practising in accordance with the Standards of Practice at all times.

Review the Standards of Practice (PDF)

Code of Ethics

The Code of Ethics sets out the ethical principles and values that guide your professional behaviour. It helps you make decisions when situations are complex or unclear and supports respectful, honest, and patient-centred interactions.

The Code of Ethics guides how you:

  • Treat patients with dignity, respect, and fairness
  • Maintain professional boundaries and trust
  • Act with integrity and accountability

The Code applies to all dental assistants and is central to maintaining public confidence in dental assisting practice.

Review the Code of Ethics (PDF)

Understanding the Standards and Code

You will find modules in the Professional Practice Learning Centre (PPLC) to support your understanding of the Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics, and what’s expected of you.

Visit the Learning Centre

Related resources

Standards of Practice (PDF)

Code of Ethics (PDF)

Legislation, Bylaws, and Policies

Access the Portal

Access your profile, view and print your practice permit, update your information and submit requests to the College.

Access the PPLC

To support your understanding of the Standards and Code.

Frequently asked questions

What should I do if I’m unsure how the Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics apply to a situation?

Start by reviewing the relevant sections of the Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics. If you are still unsure, you can contact the College for practice advice to help you understand your professional responsibilities.

Are the Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics enforceable?

Yes. They’re enforceable regulatory documents. Failure to follow them may result in follow-up by the College and could be considered in professional conduct matters.

Do these documents change over time?

They may be updated to reflect changes in practice, legislation, or professional expectations. It is your responsibility to stay informed and review updates when they occur.

How do the Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics support people-centred care?

They place patient safety, respect, dignity, and ethical decision-making at the centre of practice. Following them helps ensure care is delivered in a professional, consistent, and trustworthy manner.