Vancouver Island University announced the impending closure of its Certified Dental Assisting program, a decision that has sent shockwaves throughout the local community and the dental industry across British Columbia. This program, well-known for its comprehensive curriculum and high standards, serves as an essential training ground for future dental assistants, professionals who are vital to maintaining the quality and availability of dental care in our region.

The closure of this program would not only reduce educational opportunities for aspiring dental assistants in Vancouver Island but also exacerbate the shortage of skilled dental professionals in British Columbia. According to the BC Dental Association, the province is already facing a significant shortage of dental care professionals, particularly CDAs—a deficit projected to worsen with population growth and the full implementation of the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP).

Those affected include prospective students, current students, alumni, regional dental practices, and ultimately, patients who depend on quality dental care. The Certified Dental Assisting program at VIU has consistently produced skilled graduates who have gone on to contribute significantly to the local healthcare sector. The dissolution of this program will eliminate a critical pipeline for training proficient dental assistants, thereby directly impacting dental care services offered to the public.

In response to this urgent issue, we propose that Vancouver Island University reconsiders its decision and explores alternative measures to keep the program active. Potential actions could include seeking additional funding sources, partnering with local dental clinics for sponsorships, or adjusting the program structure to reduce operational costs without sacrificing quality.

Join us in urging the administration at Vancouver Island University to listen to the community's voice and the voices of those directly impacted. Preserving the Certified Dental Assisting program is integral not just for the university but for the future of dental health services across British Columbia. Sign this petition to protect educational opportunities and secure the future of dental care in our communities.