The Canadian Alliance of Dental Technology Regulators (CADTR), in partnership with the College of Dental Technologists of Alberta (CDTA), is pleased to announce the introduction of a new Single-Discipline Performance-Based Assessment (PBA) pilot.

Launching in fall 2026 at NAIT, the pilot is intended to support a more flexible, fair, and proportionate registration pathway for Dental Technicians in Alberta. The new approach will allow eligible applicants to complete the PBA within a single discipline, better aligning the assessment with their intended or current area of practice.

The Single-Discipline PBA framework builds on CADTR’s existing full-discipline Performance-Based Assessment model while maintaining the high entry-to-practice standards expected of the profession. Each assessment will include targeted stations designed to assess both foundational regulatory competence and discipline-specific technical competencies.

For new applicants, the Single-Discipline PBA will be completed alongside the Knowledge-Based Assessment (KBA). Current Dental Technician registrants in Alberta may use this option to expand their scope of practice by adding additional disciplines and will not be required to complete the KBA.

This milestone reflects significant collaboration between CADTR and CDTA and supports continued innovation in dental technology assessment. CADTR is pleased to support the development and adoption of assessment pathways that recognize focused expertise while continuing to uphold public safety and regulatory competence.

Expressions of interest are now being requested from new applicants and current Alberta Dental Technicians interested in the Single-Discipline Assessment. Early responses are important for pilot planning.

For more information or to indicate interest, please visit the CDTA announcement.