Conditional Licenses for Registered Dental Assistants (RDAs)

This is the time of year when a new wave of graduates from dental assisting programs are applying for registration and licensure.  The requirements and process for licensure as an RDA are outlined on the PDBNS website at this link.

Since April 2007, one of the requirements for licensure as an RDA has been the successful completion of the certification examination administered by the National Dental Assisting Examining Board (NDAEB).

In Nova Scotia, an applicant who has not yet obtained their NDAEB certificate but has fulfilled all the other requirements for licensure can apply for and be granted a conditional license. This is valid for one year from the date of issuance, by which time the RDA must have obtained their NDAEB certificate to renew/maintain their license.

There have been questions about the scope of practice for an RDA with a conditional license.  An RDA with a conditional license is permitted to perform the full scope of dental assisting functions as outlined in Section 5 of the PDBNS Dental Assistants Regulations.

RDAs are asked to submit their NDAEB certificate when it is obtained, and the condition will be removed from their license.

Sincerely,

Dr. Doug Mackey, Registrar