The College is committed to taking steps to do our part in addressing the current pandemic.
We know that RDTs as well as all other healthcare professionals are facing extraordinary challenges. CDTO is committed to ensuring we keep you informed of any updates that may impact standard operations and that collectively we keep the interests of patients and communities at the forefront. For practice support, please do not hesitate to contact QA@cdto.ca.
Ontario has declared a state of emergency, and the Canadian government is strongly urging all Canadians to practice social distancing. We cannot mandate you to close your dental technology labs but we ask you to follow the consistent advice of all health authorities across Canada (Public Health Ontario, the Chief Medical Officer of Health of Ontario, the Minister of Health of Ontario, the Public Health Advisory of Canada, the federal Minister of Health) to provide only emergency or essential services, where appropriate.
You should be aware that if your dental technology lab remains open other than to provide emergency or essential services, you may be putting the health and safety of the public at jeopardy. This may be considered an act of professional misconduct by a Committee of the College. Likewise, if the health authorities take action against you, the College would need to respond accordingly.
Read the College’s guidelines and measures for assistance in your practice at this time.
Chief Medical Officer of Health- Directive for Healthcare Providers
The Chief Medical Officer of Ontario orders that “all non-essential services should be ceased or reduced to minimal levels, subject to allowable exceptions until further notice. Allowable exceptions can be made for time sensitive circumstances to avert or avoid negative patient outcomes or to avert or avoid a situation that would have a direct impact on the safety of patients”.
Read the the directive issued by the Ministry of Health for regulated health care providers (or persons who operate a group practice) in full detail here, as well as the Ministry of Health Memo: Managing Health Worker Illness and Return to Work COVID-19
COVID-19 Exposure at Dental Conference
The CDTO was made aware that a person who attended the 2020 Pacific Dental Conference tested positive for COVID-19. The College is asking anyone who attended this event to immediately self-isolate and take the necessary precautions to ensure the safety of the public.
RDTs Play an Integral Role in Collaborative Health Care
The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO) and the College of Denturists of Ontario (CDO) are working hard to ensure that patients have access to emergency or essential dental care during this challenging time.
RCDSO has posted a list of dental practices that have identified the ability to provide emergency dental care by meeting the COVID-19 safety standards. If you are operating to support these dentists, it is critical to take the necessary precautions to minimize the spread of COVID-19. Members should review the College’s Infection Prevention and Control Standard and stay up to date with the government’s requirements and recommendations.
Personal Protective Equipment Supplies (PPEs)
If your dental technology laboratory has closed, you can still help. Consider donating supplies of PPEs and other IPAC resources directly to a dental practice seeing emergency patients or a local hospital, public health unit, or community health centre.
Your generosity can go a long way.
Information for Employers
We understand that dental technology laboratory service restrictions and closures will affect members of your office staff. You can access some helpful information on “Preparing Your Workplace to Respond to COVID-19 Q&A for Employers”. We recommend that you consult with an employment lawyer of your choice.
CDTO Operations
Registration
Registration processes will proceed as usual. The Registration staff will endeavour to process new applications as quickly as possible. You will be notified when you become registered.
Members may continue to access the online portal to update personal, business information, make payments, access confirmation of payments, and so on. If you experience any issues with the online system – please contact us at info@cdto.ca and we will get back to you within two business days.
For Members that would like to add a new place of business and it is not listed on the CDTO database – please complete and return to the CDTO via email the New/Updating Place of Business form via email to info@cdto.ca.
For Registration inquiries, please email: info@cdto.ca
Registration Examinations
The CDTO or Provincial Registration Examinations application deadline will be extended for those candidates who are repeating one or more examination component(s). At this time scheduling delays are anticipated as result of measures taken to flatten the spread of COVID-19. The CDTO will provide updates as they become available.
For ALL new or first time examination applicants in 2020 – you will be taking the new national – Dental Technology Entry-to-Practice Assessment (DTETPA) run by the Canadian Alliance of Dental Technology Regulators (CADTR). At this time, the online application is scheduled to open on June 1st, 2020 for all new examination applicants. For more information about the DTETPA please visit the CADTR website for examination details and updates.
For Examination inquiries, please email: pbona@cdto.ca
Complaints
We do not anticipate disruptions to the complaints process. We will continue to communicate with members who are the subject of a complaint by email and phone.
For any questions regarding professional conduct or complaints, please send an email to complaints@cdto.ca.
Professional Practice
The Peer and Practice Assessment Program will be on hold until further notice. The College also recognizes that the measures taken to address COVID-19 may prevent members from completing their planned professional development credits. Members may continue to engage in appropriate activities such as professional reading and online webinars. As the situation unfolds, the Quality Assurance Committee will reassess the impact of COVID-19 and if any additional changes are necessary.
Members can send any questions about the Quality Assurance Program or the Standards of Practice to qa@cdto.ca.
As circumstances change and new guidance is received from the government, we will keep RDTs and stakeholders informed..
