Temporary Authorization for Dentists
Temporary Authorization for Dentists
Introduction
The Nova Scotia Regulator of Dentistry and Dental Assisting (NSRDDA) has as its mandate to protect the public interest with respect to dentistry and dental assisting. One of the ways this role is fulfilled is by ensuring that only properly trained, qualified and licensed personnel render treatment that is of a reasonable standard.
Mandatory Continuing Dental Education (MCDE) is a statutory requirement for most Dental Regulatory Authorities. There are MCDE educational programs which are designed to provide clinical education experiences through direct patient care. Dentists who wish to engage in these patient care programs but are currently licensed outside of the jurisdiction of the NSRDDA must obtain a Temporary Authorization.
Part-time faculty members at Dalhousie University who are licensed in another jurisdiction and reside outside Nova Scotia also require a Temporary Authorization from the NSRDDA for clinical activities at the Faculty of Dentistry.
This policy outlines the process and requirements to determine if a dentist is eligible to obtain a Temporary Authorization for the purpose of serving as a part-time instructor at Dalhousie University, participation in a Continuing Dental Education Course involving patient care, or participation in a Provincial Dental Board approved study club involving patient care. To be eligible an individual must be a licensed generalist or specialist in good standing in Canada or the United States.
Applicability
- Part-time Faculty involved in patient care activities – Dentists who reside outside Nova Scotia and hold a licence in another jurisdiction require a Temporary Authorization (valid for a Maximum of 30 days per 365 day cycle from date of issue or renewal). The dates of all teaching days during this period must be provided to the NSRDDA at the time of application or renewal.
- Dentists who hold a licence in another jurisdiction, that do not have a licence to practice in Nova Scotia and are participating in patient-based Continuing Dental Education courses require a Temporary Authorization (valid for a Maximum of 10 days per 365 day cycle from date of issue or renewal). The dates of all patient care CDE courses that the dentist is attending must be provided to the Provincial Dental Board at the time of application or renewal.
- Dentists who hold a licence in another jurisdiction, that do not have a licence to practice in Nova Scotia, that are involved in Study Clubs that have been approved by the NSRDDA, and involve patient care require a Temporary Authorization (valid for a Maximum of 10 days per 365 day cycle from date of issue or renewal). The dates that the dentist is attending patient care Study Club activities must be provided to the NSRDDA at the time of application or renewal.
Process
The applicant is required to complete an application form. The application form and all required documents are to be submitted to the Registrar of the NSRDDA at least one month in advance of the date for Temporary Authorization.
The Registrar shall review the candidate’s application and decide whether or not to issue a Temporary Authorization. If a Temporary Authorization is not granted to the applicant; the applicant can appeal the Registrar’s decision to the Registration Appeal Committee.
The Registrar will issue a Temporary Authorization for an applicant who:
(a) completes an application in a form satisfactory to the Registrar;
(b) provides a letter from the Registrar verifying good standing for every jurisdiction they are currently licensed in;
(c) verifies malpractice insurance through CDSPI – minimum of $ 3 million coverage;
(d) provides a copy of their dental license from each jurisdiction the applicant is registered;
(e) provides payment of the Temporary Authorization fee of $92 to the Provincial Dental Board; and
(f) provides a list of all dates the Temporary Authorization is required.
The holder of the Temporary Authorization must ensure that arrangements have been made with a dentist, licensed in Nova Scotia, to provide any follow up care which may be needed by the patient as a result of the treatment provided by the dentist holding the Temporary Authorization.
Dentists who wish to renew a Temporary Authorization must satisfactorily complete a Temporary Authorization Renewal form and provide copies of all licence cards for every jurisdiction in which the applicant is currently licensed and a copy of current malpractice insurance coverage which is valid in the Province of Nova Scotia.
Approved by the Board: May 29, 2015
Revision approved by the Board: September 30, 2016
Revision approved by the Board: May 26, 2017
Revision approved by the Board: September 24, 2021