The ODAA (then the ODN & AA) was formed by Marion Edwards in 1927—just two years before women got the vote! A woman well before her time, Marion saw the value in developing an organization that recognized the power of dental assistants networking, bonding and uniting.
Up until 1960, dental assistants (DAs) learned their work on the job. They were not formally educated, and their skills and abilities were only as good as the person who was training them. Consequently each DA’s status and remuneration were at the discretion of the employer.
Elevating the profession to new heights
In 1960, a committee of dental assistants, spearheaded by June Cook—a member of our organization since 1946—made a presentation to the Royal College of Dental Surgeons (RCDS) outlining the need for formal training for dental assistants. It was accepted, and agreed that the ODAA be the certifying body for the curriculum.
The Ontario Dental Association (ODA) and the Toronto Academy of Dentistry helped the committee to prepare an outline of the curriculum for certification. Evening classes started, and the Certification Program for dental assistants was born! The program soon spread from the ODAA in Toronto to all other affiliates in Ontario gaining strength and momentum along the way.
From the first presentation of Certification Certificates in November 1961 to present day, the education and status of the dental assistant have been elevated to a new high.
Shaping the future of the dental assisting profession
Dental assistants in Ontario are not yet recognized as “Regulated Health Professionals” under the Regulated Health Professions Act (RHPA). This means that untrained staff may be hired to work as dental assistants. Consequently, it means that the wage for a dental assistant could vary greatly depending on the employer. And worse, it means that many dental assistants are subjected to little recognition of their role leading to low self-esteem and a lack of confidence.
The ODAA is changing this. We are aggressively working with the Ontario government to have dental assisting become a regulated profession. We believe that regulation is the best way to recognize our members, protect the public with regard to infection control issues, and ensure that all people working in a dental office are trained, licensed and committed to their profession. Click here for an update on our regulation efforts.
What it means to be an ODAA member
Members of the ODAA are committed to achieving and maintaining their certification as proof of their personal conviction to their career. Each certified member must earn 15 credits per year in order to keep his/her certification status current. Credit-earning activities include continuing education courses, attending meetings, holding a position on the ODAA executive, performing community service and more. Click here for a complete list of ways to earn credits.
In addition, members enjoy exclusive benefits such as discounts on a GoodLife Fitness club membership, life insurance, car rental and more.
Members of the ODAA believe in our focus, and together we stand proud and firm in the conviction that regulation must take place if we are to shape our own future. For more information on joining the ODAA, contact us today!