Policy updates

The ADC was pleased to contribute to the public consultation on the Accreditation Standards for Oral Healthcare Education Programs, which was undertaken earlier this year by the Commission of Dental Accreditation of Canada (CDAC).   

CDAC, in consultation with its partners, develops and approves requirements for educational programs preparing dentists, dental specialists, dental interns/residents, dental hygienists and dental assistants. The ADC maintains a strong relationship with CDAC, having a Memorandum of Understanding concerning mutual recognition of dentistry programs based on an equivalence of accreditation processes. 

As part of feedback to the consultation, the ADC considered that CDAC’s draft Standards broadly align with contemporary competency-based education, demonstrating a strong emphasis on public safety, quality assurance, and student-centred learning principles. The Standards also show clear recognition of cultural safety, health equity, and community engagement responsibilities. 

The consultation has now closed. CDAC will review all feedback received during the consultation to provide recommendations for further refinements to the standards.