The ODAA is committed to adhering to the Code of Ethics of the Canadian Dental Assistants’ Association.
The Code of Ethics of the Canadian Dental Assistants' Association is intended for use in the practice of dental assisting as a guide for professional conduct and for ethical decisions.
As multi-skilled professionals, dental assistants possess a diverse knowledge base and apply clinical skills, administrative principles and practitioner autonomy through assignment and delegation of duties within provincial legislation. Dental assistants practice effective interpersonal and communication skills and maintain collaborative relationships with all members of the oral health care team in the delivery of client-centred care. Dental assistants are educated professionals who uphold their obligation to maintain technical competence through advanced or continuing education.
The dental assistant shall protect and maintain the confidentiality of all client records and respect a client’s right to privacy and dignity within legal limits and professional responsibilities. Further they will ensure that all confidential and proprietary information acquired in the course of duty is solely in the best interest of the client’s oral health.
The dental assistant will engage in full honest disclosure of information to the extent of his or her knowledge base to assist the client in full comprehension of treatment options proposed. The client’s right to autonomy will be respected at all times and no coercion shall be utilized.
Dental assistants shall endorse and uphold their legal obligations (local, provincial, territorial and federal) as they pertain to dentistry and the laws of Canadian society.
The relationship between the dental client and the dental assistant is one of trust, morality and responsibility. The dental assistant will uphold these fiduciary responsibilities and protect the best interests of the client at all times.
In all clinical, educational, institutional and emergency situations, the dental assistant shall maintain the standards of care in a reasonable, prudent and professional manner.
Acts of omission and commission that cause injury or harm to a client will be considered professional negligence.
The dental assistant has a responsibility for all procedures performed by them during the delivery of client care. Full disclosure of any problems arising during the provision of care is required.
The dental assistant shall provide optimum oral health care and comfort to all clients with a focus on the health, beneficence, welfare and security of the person.
The dental assistant shall treat all members of the public with equity and fairness upholding at all times the principles of dignity and respect for all individuals.
The dental assistant shall promote environmental awareness and protection.
The professional dental assistant shall support and contribute, through education and service, to promotional activities and initiatives designed to advance oral and general health care knowledge and service.
The dental assistant shall assume, with other members of the oral health team, the responsibilities and ethical obligations required to provide and promote quality oral health care and service.
The dental assistant shall be open and honest in all relationships with members of the oral health care team and the public.
The dental assistant shall uphold the highest principles and standards of the profession, promoting the profession in the advancement of quality oral health service. The dental assistant assumes the responsibility to act, at all times, in the best interests of the public and the profession.
The dental assistant shall perform, with the highest standard, only those duties within assigned authority as outlined in licensing/certifying and regulating legislation within the provincial, territorial or federal jurisdictions governing professionals.
Dental assistants shall endeavour to protect the profession, the oral health care team and members of the public by reporting to regulatory authorities all actions, which contravene provincial, territorial or federal jurisdictions.
The dental assistant has an obligation to maintain membership, to support and participate in the initiatives of the local, provincial and national professional associations. The dental assistant will maintain and comply with legislation/regulation and relevant continuing education requirements to remain in good standing with their representative professional bodies and regulatory authorities.
The dental assistant shall not compromise the reputation of the profession by dishonest or illegal behavior and shall not misrepresent qualifications or abilities in the fulfillment of their duties and obligations.
The dental assistant shall assume, with integrity, all responsibility for functions delegated to dental assistants within their respective provincial, territorial and federal jurisdictions. The dental assistant will promote, in the best interests of client service and welfare, practice suited to the knowledge and experience attained or attainable by members of the profession.
The dental assistant shall uphold their responsibility to support the mission, goals and objectives of their local, provincial and national associations. Further, that they contribute time, skill, talent and expertise to these professional associations throughout their careers.
The dental assistant is responsible to maintain continued competence, theoretical knowledge and awareness of technological advancements through education programs, professional literature and peer group associations.
The dental assistant shall continuously endeavor to maintain and practice the highest standards of competence and proficiency in the performance of their duties and will encourage the ethical dissemination of new methods, education and knowledge.
The dental assistant shall support and pursue legitimate research as it pertains to the profession of dental assisting and the advancement of oral health.
For more information, please visit www.cdaa.ca.
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