Applications for Accreditation (Dental Hygiene Programs)

Accreditation is a 2-step process. First, programs must apply for a program survey. If approved, an accreditation survey is scheduled. In November of each year, the Commission on Dental Accreditation of Canada (CDAC) has its annual meeting at which it reviews the results of survey visits to determine whether or not programs are granted accreditation status.

How do I apply for a Program Survey?

Applications for a program survey must be received by August 1st for review at the November meeting of CDAC. The application must contain the following information:

1. New dental hygiene programs applying for a program survey are directed to read the Dental Hygiene Accreditation requirements and the full Guide to Accreditation (PDF 94 KB). A summary of the Dental Hygience Programs - Guide for Application for Program Survey (PDF 112 KB) is also available.

   Programs requiring further assistance may call CDAC, the dental hygiene regulatory authority in their jurisdiction, or the National Dental Hygiene Certification Board (NDHCB) for information about accreditation, certification and registration/licensure requirements.

2. 5 copies of the dental hygiene program's responses to CDAC’s dental hygiene accreditation requirements.
   
   
3. A copy of related correspondence, identifying that the provincial Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities (MTCU) has granted the institute approval to offer a dental hygiene program.
   
   
4. An application fee (non-refundable). Contact CDAC for information regarding the application fee. Please ensure that your application is complete and accurate as the fee is non-refundable regardless of whether the application is accepted, returned, or denied following a review. Should you have any questions on CDAC survey information, do not hesitate to refer to the CDAC guidelines or to contact CDAC.
   

A letter signed by the program director/dean must accompany the program documentation. The letter must confirm the accuracy of the program information about its operations, state the amount of the application fee, and acknowledge that CDAC will list your program name on CDAC’s website. Download the CDAC letter of confirmation of accreditation information (PDF 8 KB).

Incomplete and/or inaccurate applications will be returned.

Applications for Preliminary Approval (Dental Specialty Programs)

The accreditation process is a 2-step process. Programs first apply for Preliminary Approval. If Preliminary Approval is granted, an accreditation survey is scheduled when the students are in the program's final year. In November of each year, the CDAC has its annual meeting at which it reviews the results of survey visits to determine whether or not programs are granted accreditation status.

How do I apply for Preliminary Approval?

Applications for Preliminary Approval must be received by August 1 of each year for review at the CDAC annual November meeting. The application must contain the following information:

1. Five (5) copies of the program's responses to CDAC accreditation requirements.
   
   
2. Application fee. Please contact CDAC for information regarding the application fee.