College of Alberta Dental Assistants


member login



  Quicklinks

select your font size
smaller font larger font

Standards of Practice


Standards of practice are defined as direction regarding professional practice. Standards range from the broad, profession-based standards established by CADA to detailed care standards set by health agencies and specific education standards set by educational institutions.

Standards are necessary to demonstrate to the public, government and other stakeholders that the profession is dedicated to maintaining public trust and upholding the criteria of its professional practice.
Standards provide direction to practice, education and research. The CADA Standards of Practice are the criteria for professional conduct of all regulated dental assistants in Alberta, regardless of role, specialty or practice setting. The Standards apply to regulated members of the profession.

Standards of practice are often further delineated by indicators which are specific statements used to interpret and, where possible, measure the Standard. Standards are different from competency in that standards provide general direction regarding all aspects of professional practice; whereas, competency is the combined knowledge, skills, attitudes and judgments required within the professional role of the dental assistant. Standards and competency are inter-related and should be congruent and compatible.

Standards of Practice are usually derived from six characteristics of a profession:

  • Accountability for own practice
  • Code of Ethics
  • Specialized body of knowledge
  • Competent application of knowledge
  • Self-Regulation
  • Service to the public

The College of Alberta Dental Assistants has five Standards:

  1. Service to the Public
  2. Accountability
  3. Professional Ethics
  4. Body of Knowledge
  5. Application of Knowledge