Welcome to TempStars' comprehensive guide on certification and qualifications for dental assistants in Ontario. This information is based on the policies set by the Ontario Dental Assistants Association (ODAA).
Professional Designations
The ODAA offers the following professional designations:
- Certified Dental Assistant Level I (CDA)
- Certified Dental Receptionist (CDR)
- Certified Preventive Dental Assistant (CPDA)
- Certified Dental Assistant Level II (CDA II)
- Certified Dental Treatment Coordinator (CDTC)
These designations may only be used by currently certified ODAA members.
General Certification Requirements
- Members must apply for certification status and pay a fee established by the Board of Directors.
- Reduced fees are available for additional certifications if a member is already certified.
- Members must agree to comply with Association policies and the Code of Ethics.
- Members are required to report any criminal charges or convictions to the Association.
- The Association reserves the right to refuse certification to a member.
Certification Renewal
- All certifications expire on December 31 of each year.
- To renew, certified members must:
- Renew their membership
- Submit documentation of 12 continuing education credits
- Be currently practicing dental assisting
- Members may request accommodations for renewal requirements if needed.
Specific Certification Requirements
Certified Dental Assistant Level I (CDA)
Candidates must:
- Be members in good standing
- Successfully complete an ODAA-approved level I dental assisting program registered under the Private Career Colleges Act, 2005
- Successfully complete a radiography course approved under the Healing Arts Radiation Protection Act, 1990 and its Regulations
- Achieve a pass mark of 65% on the ODAA level I certification examination
Note: Members educated as preventive dental assistants, level II dental assistants, dental hygienists, or dentists are not eligible for this designation.
Certified Preventive Dental Assistant (CPDA)
Candidates must:
- Be members in good standing
- Successfully complete a preventive dental assisting course approved by the Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO)
- Successfully complete an approved radiography course
- Provide RCDSO listing information prior to December 31, 1999
Note: Members educated as level II dental assistants, dental hygienists, or dentists are not eligible for this designation.
Certified Dental Assistant Level II (CDA II)
Candidates must:
- Be members in good standing
- Attain the National Dental Assisting Examining Board (NDAEB) certificate
- Meet one of the following criteria:
- Successfully complete a Level II dental assisting program at a College of Applied Arts and Technology
- Successfully complete a Level II dental assisting program registered under the Private Career Colleges Act, 2005
- Provide current registration from another Canadian jurisdiction
- Successfully complete a Level II continuing education program or achieve 65% on a clinical practical exam
- Successfully complete an approved radiography course
Certified Dental Receptionist (CDR)
Candidates must:
- Be members in good standing
- Achieve a pass mark of 65% on the ODAA dental receptionist certification examination
- Meet one of the following criteria:
- Successfully complete an ODAA-approved dental reception or office administration program
- Complete a verified minimum of two years of full-time practical experience as a dental receptionist or equivalent
Certified Dental Treatment Coordinator (CDTC)
Candidates must:
- Be members in good standing
- Be certified as a CDR, CDA, CPDA, or CDA II
- Achieve a pass mark of 65% on the ODAA dental treatment coordinator certification examination
- Meet one of the following criteria:
- Successfully complete an ODAA-approved dental treatment coordinator program
- Complete a verified minimum of one year full-time practical experience as a dental treatment coordinator or equivalent
Certification Reinstatement
If certification lapses due to failure to meet requirements, members can apply for reinstatement if currently practicing dental assisting. Accommodations may be requested for reinstatement requirements.
Reinstatement as a CDA II
For lapsed periods of less than three years:
- Renew membership
- Submit 15 continuing education credits (obtained any time since certification lapsed)
- Pay a reinstatement fee based on the duration of the lapsed period
For lapsed periods of three or more years or second+ reinstatement: Option 1:
- Renew membership
- Submit 15 continuing education credits (obtained in the previous three years)
- Submit a specified project within a specified time
- Pay a $75.00 reinstatement fee
Option 2:
- Renew membership
- Submit 15 continuing education credits
- Pay a $200 reinstatement fee
Reinstatement as a CDA, CPDA, CDR, or CDTC
For lapsed periods of less than three years:
- Renew membership
- Submit 15 continuing education credits (obtained any time since certification lapsed)
- Pay a $50 reinstatement fee within the first year or $75 after the first year
For lapsed periods of three or more years:
- Renew membership
- Submit 15 continuing education credits (obtained in the previous three years)
- Achieve a minimum of 65% on the applicable ODAA Certification Exam
- Pay a $75 reinstatement fee
Reinstatement by Challenge to Internal Exams
- Members who wish to reinstate within three years of lapse may renew membership as per policy
- Members without formal education who certified by "challenging" the ODAA certification exam may not reinstate by exam
- To obtain certification in Ontario, members must complete formal education in an approved dental assisting program
We at TempStars are always here to help! If you have any questions about dental assistant certification in Ontario or need assistance with your TempStars account, please don't hesitate to contact our support team at help@tempstars.com. We're committed to supporting your career in dental assisting and ensuring you have the information you need to succeed.
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