Non-Practicing 3+ Years
Non-practice license holders can only hold a non-practice status for a maximum of three (3) years without needing to complete the NDAEB Clinical Practice Evaluation to return to a full practice status.
Lifelong Learning in Dental Assisting
It is very important to stay current and up-to-date with the ever-changing technology, materials, and information being made available in the dental field. Continuing education is essential for all healthcare professionals to be able to maintain the highest standards of care and safety for their patients.
The CDAS requires every dental assistant holding a full practice status to acquire a minimum of 36 credits per three-year of professional development cycle to maintain their license. At least twenty of those points must relate to clinical chairside dental assisting. Each point is equivalent to 1 hour of professional development. These credits can be acquired by attending health-related presentations, lunch and learn sessions, technology updates by qualified technicians, educational courses, dental modules, and internet training sessions.
Registered Dental Assistants in Saskatchewan have one of the broadest competency or skill lists in all of Canada. It is based on formal education taken at a recognized program in dental assisting or dental program.
Digital Resources
Infection Control
Prevention & Control Standards for Saskatchewan
An infection control course must be taken annually and is a requirement for renewal and/or reinstatement.
A valid Infection Prevention & Control (IPC) certificate is required annually to be eligible for your annual Full Practice license renewal. It is also a requirement to be eligible for registration, reinstatement and to change practice status.
An IPC Proof of Attendance Form can be filled out and authorized by your employer to confirm that your office has reviewed the INFECTION PREVENTION AND CONTROL STANDARDS IN THE ORAL HEALTH CARE FACILITY provided by the The College of Dental Surgeons of Saskatchewan annually.
This form can be found HERE.
An example of a completed approved IPC Proof of Attendance Form can be found HERE.
Other approved online IPC courses can be found below at no cost:
1. Colgate Oral Health Network:
https://www.colgateoralhealthnetwork.com/
The following courses under “Dental CE Webinars” section under “Infection Control”:
Instrument Reprocessing: Setting the Record Straight
Back to the Future: Basics and Updates in Infection Control
2. Public Health Ontario: https://www.publichealthontario.ca/en/MyPHO
Under “Course Catalogue” after making an account, if you search “IPAC Reprocessing”, a number of courses will come up.
For example:
IPAC Reprocessing: Loading a Sterilizer
IPAC Reprocessing: Packaging for Sterilization
IPAC Reprocessing: Personal Protective Equipment for Reprocessing
IPAC Reprocessing: Pre-cleaning, Cleaning and Post-cleaning
IPAC Reprocessing: Steam Sterilization
IPAC Reprocessing: Transportation and Storage
IPAC Reprocessing: Unloading a Sterilizer
***These are all individual courses with separate tests. One is acceptable for IPC.
Flash Sterilization
How should items be stored following sterilization?
Sterile items and disposable (single-use) items should be stored in an enclosed storage area (e.g., cabinet or drawer). Dental supplies and instruments should not be stored under sinks or in other locations where they might become wet. Sterilized items should remain wrapped until they are needed for use. Unwrapped items are susceptible to contamination.
Avoid storing items loose in drawers or cabinets because unwrapped items cannot be kept sterile. Items stored in this manner are subject to contamination from dust, aerosols generated during treatment, and the hands of personnel who must handle them.
CPR
Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is a life-saving method that can be used in a variety of scenarios where someone’s breathing or heartbeat has stopped, including heart attacks and near-drowning situations. Beginning CPR with rapid, forceful chest compressions is advised. First responders and inexperienced spectators alike should follow this advice for hands-only CPR.
In order to apply, renew or reinstate your license, you MUST have current CPR that includes a practical, in-person component. While CPR C or BLS are preferred, any CPR course is accepted.
Proof of course completion and valid CPR certification is required. A current CPR certificate must be provided that notes the date certification is valid.
