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Public
Registrants
Certified Dental Assistants
Continuing Education
Dental Practice
Miscellaneous
National Dental Examining Board of Canada (NDEB)
Registration and Licensing
Dental Practice
Q1 - How do I change my address with the College?
A - You can update your address online in the Registrants section of the website or print and complete the Change of Address Form and fax or mail it to the College. Dentist changes of address will be automatically updated with the BCDA. Certified dental assistant changes of address will be updated with the CDABC if you have filled out the consent to release information form.
Q2 - What is allowed in advertising?
A - Members engaging in promotional activity should do so in a manner that upholds the values and dignity of the profession. Anything that would be considered self-aggrandizing, misleading or comparative in nature should be avoided. Refer to the Rules under the Dentist Act Articles 5 & 15 and the "Guidelines for Promotional Activity." Note that the Guidelines apply to all forms of advertising: print, broadcast and online media, including websites.
Q3 - Is it necessary to incorporate to practise dentistry?
A - No, licensed dentists may practise, bill, and advertise without becoming a member of a corporation. Dentists should consult an accountant and/or lawyer regarding the advantages of incorporating.
Q4 - How do I incorporate my dental practice?
A - Click here for information about incorporation .
Q5 - What is the proper procedure for disposing of hazardous waste?
A - The BC Dental Association can provide information to dentists concerning disposal of hazardous waste. They can be reached by telephone at 604 736-7202 (888-396-9888 toll free in BC) or through their web site at www.bcdental.org.
Q6 - How long do we have to keep patient records?
A - Based on the current wording of the British Columbia Limitation Act, dentists should retain patient records for at least 30 years after the date on which care is provided to a patient, although the 30 year period does not start to run against a minor plaintiff until he or she reaches the age of majority.
The ultimate limitation period can also be 'postponed' (i.e., lengthened or extended) in certain cases.
The foregoing is intended to be for general information only, and should not be relied on, as the law involving limitation periods is complex and could be affected by a number of different factors in individual cases.
In developing a policy for the storage and retention of patient records, members of the College should therefore obtain their own legal advice.
For more information see "Section VII - Retention of Records" in Dental Records Management in your BC Dental Manual.
Q7 - Does this include models?
A - Yes, it does. The Interpretation Act includes a very broad definition of records.
Q8 - How many non-practising licenses can I have?
A - There is no limit to the number of times you can go non-practising but you should be aware of the following:
Members who have been non-practising in British Columbia in three consecutive fiscal years or less, or portions thereof, and who have paid the non-practising licence fee during those periods, may regain practising status by paying the licence fee for the next fiscal year.
Members who have been non-practising in British Columbia for longer than three consecutive fiscal years may regain practicing status by paying the licence fee and satisfying one of the following criteria:
The member has engaged in the practice of dentistry on a continual basis in Canada or the United States, or in a jurisdiction whose standards of practice have been approved by Council as equivalent to dental standards practised in British Columbia, in the three years preceding the date of application for practising status.
The member has successfully completed a refresher course in dentistry approved by Council.
The member has successfully completed an examination approved by Council.
Refer to the Rules under the Dentist Act Article 11.06.
Q9 - Can a patient have access to their dental records?
A - Yes, generally speaking, patients have a right to examine and obtain a copy of their dental records including reports from other practitioners. The patient should make this request in writing. See "Section VI - Access to Information" Dental Records Management for further details.
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