As Registered Dental Assistants in Saskatchewan, we are united in our concerns over the unprofessional, disrespectful, and unresponsive practices of our licensing body, the College of Dental Assistants of Saskatchewan (CDASK).

Our Key Concerns:

• Disrespectful Communication: Many of us have faced dismissive and insulting interactions with directors, leaving us feeling undervalued and unsupported.

• Document Rejections: Licenses have been refused due to document formatting issues, even when we complied by converting documents to the required format. Despite this, rejections continued without clear justification.

• Poor Communication: Emails and inquiries frequently go unanswered, creating unnecessary stress and confusion.

• Inadequate Training Resources: The current infection control training course recommended by CDASK is poorly suited to the needs of Saskatchewan dental professionals, focusing instead on Alberta healthcare protocols. This undermines our professional development and compromises patient safety.

• Maternity Leave and Licensing Flexibility: As a profession predominantly made up of women, many of us face unique challenges when it comes to maternity leave. Currently, we are required to pay an annual fee of $225, and we must maintain a practicing license at least once within a three-year cycle. This policy creates significant challenges for dental assistants who are on maternity leave, as we are forced to either pay for a license we are not using or face the consequence of needing a clinical practice evaluation if we do not reinstate within the three-year period.

This places unnecessary financial strain on dental assistants during a time when we are focused on family, and it makes it difficult for women to maintain their professional standing while on maternity or extended personal leave.

We are requesting the ability to pause our license during maternity leave or extended personal leave without penalty, allowing us to maintain our professional standing and avoid the unnecessary financial burden or risk of having to undergo a clinical practice evaluation.

Our Demands:

1. Respectful and Transparent Communication: Directors and staff must engage with Registered Dental Assistants in a professional and supportive manner.

2. Simplified Licensing Requirements: Clear and consistent guidelines for document submissions without arbitrary rejections.

3. Effective Training: Relevant and Saskatchewan-specific infection control training that meets the needs of dental professionals and supports safe practice.

4. Accountability: Establish mechanisms to hold directors accountable for their interactions and decisions.

5. Support for RDAs to Support the Public: While CDASK’s primary responsibility is to represent the public, it is essential that they also support Registered Dental Assistants in maintaining their licenses. Many assistants are letting their licenses lapse due to the current system’s challenges, which not only affects their careers but also impacts dental offices and, by extension, the public. We call on CDASK to take active steps to make it easier for RDAs to stay licensed, ensuring that we can continue to provide high-quality care to the public without unnecessary barriers.

6. Maternity Leave and Licensing Flexibility: Implement the ability to pause licenses during maternity or extended personal leave, allowing dental assistants to maintain their professional standing without unnecessary financial strain or the risk of retesting.

We, the undersigned, call for immediate reform to restore respect, efficiency, and advocacy within CDASK. Please sign this petition to demand better practices, accountability, and the professional support we deserve.

Together, we can create a stronger, more supportive future for all Registered Dental Assistants in Saskatchewan.