PDC Review

Margot White, Director of Policy Development and Communications, gave an overview of CDSBC’s expanded presence at the Pacific Dental Conference compared to past years. In addition to holding an information session, The New World of Dentistry Under the HPA, and the annual CDSBC Awards Ceremony, the College had a larger and more professional booth that was prominently located in the main exhibit hall. Senior staff and/or elected officers were in attendance at the booth at all times.

Infection Control Update

This joint working group with the College of Dental Hygienists of BC has developed a table of contents to frame the development of Infection Control Guidelines. The goal is to develop scientifically supported guidelines that are evidence-based. In order to speed up the process, a first draft of the Guidelines will be developed by a physician member of the Working Group, who is a leading expert in infection control.

The College has heard reports of suppliers who are approaching dentists to tell them they require new equipment in order to meet the new guidelines. The Registrar confirmed that this information is incorrect and there are no new requirements for infection control at this time.

CDA Advisory Committee Update

The Prosthodontic Module is being reviewed by the Executive Committee to determine the consultation process to be followed before the proposed changes are resubmitted to the Board.

Denturists’ Scope of Practice

Treasurer Peter Stevenson-Moore and Registrar Heather MacKay are in discussion with the College of Denturists of BC (CDBC) about a scope of practice for denturists that CDBC is proposing. CDBC has indicated they would like to have a scope of practice similar to their counterparts in Alberta, which is broader than anywhere else in the country.

The Registrar indicated that CDSBC’s approach will be based on protection of the public. The College is planning to form a group with the BC Dental Association to develop a response to this issue.

Code of Ethics

Dr. Ken Chow, Chair of the Ethics Committee, presented an overview of the work that has been done to review the CDSBC Code of Ethics. As part of this project, this Committee reviewed the codes of ethics of other regulatory bodies and professions, and identified the core values upon which a revised Code of Ethics for dentists and CDAs should be based. The Board accepted these five core values in principle:

Autonomy - Understand and respect patients’ rights to make informed decisions based on their personal values and beliefs.

Beneficence - Maximize benefits and minimize harm for the welfare of the patient.

Compassion - Act with respect, sympathy and kindness to all patients while addressing their concerns and alleviating their pain.

Fairness - Treat all individuals, patients, colleagues and third parties without prejudice or discrimination in a just and equitable manner.

Integrity - Be truthful; behave with honour and decency while upholding professional standards.

Process for Consultation Re: Committee Initiatives

Heather MacKay and Margot White led a discussion about the type and level of consultation required before policy initiatives are presented by Committees to the Board for approval. This is especially important when there are differing viewpoints among subject matter experts.

Director of Complaints

The Registrar announced that Carmel Wiseman has accepted the position of Director of Complaints starting June 1. Carmel has worked as a lawyer for several years at the Law Society of BC and has extensive experience in dealing with complaints and other regulatory matters. She also has significant experience in leading a team and will manage the CDSBC complaints department and process.