About the College
The College of Dental Surgeons of British Columbia registers, licenses and regulates dentists and certified dental assistants (CDAs) in the public interest.
Mission Statement
The College of Dental Surgeons of BC assures British Columbians of professional standards of oral health care, ethics and competence by regulating dentistry in a fair and reasonable manner.
We fulfill our mission statement by setting requirements to practice; establishing, monitoring and enforcing standards of conduct and care; and where necessary disciplining registrants; as well as monitoring the continuing education of more than 3,170 dentists and over 6,500 CDAs working in B.C. Our regulatory mandate as a self-governing profession stems from the B.C. Dentists Act and Rules made under the Act.
Vision Statement
The College of Dental Surgeons of BC will be the leading health care regulatory body, promoting optimal oral health care for British Columbians, through excellence in dentistry and regulation based on principles of fairness, reasonableness and justice.
Council and Committee Members
The College is governed by an 18-member Council that includes 10 dentists, two certified dental assistants and six public members appointed by the provincial government. The day-to-day operations of the College are managed by a Registrar who, in collaboration with 21 staff, ensures the organization functions smoothly.
In addition, about 100 CDAs, dentists and members of the public volunteer their time each year on 12 standing committees and working groups. Working groups are established by Council on an as needed basis to deal with specific or time-limited matters. These committees and groups serve under the direction of Council, with support from senior and administrative College staff.
Standing Committees include
Please note that the College is a regulatory body and not a professional association. Member services, focused on representing the professional interests of dentists and CDAs, are provided by the B.C. Dental Association and the Certified Dental Assistants of B.C., respectively.
