The College of Dental Surgeons of Alberta — Regulating the Dental Profession in Alberta for Over 100 Years
Founded in 1906 by an Act of Legislation, the CDSA was originally known as the Alberta Dental Association, which became the regulatory body for dentists in the newly established Province of Alberta. Before this, Alberta dentists were registered under the Northwest Territories Act.
The Alberta Dental Association name was in place until 2001 when the government proclaimed the Alberta Health Professions Act, which changed several designations in self-regulating health professions. Under the new Act, the Alberta Dental Association’s name was changed to incorporate the “College” designation. The Alberta Dental Association and College (ADA&C) would continue to function as the regulatory and registering body for dentists in the province and promote and advocate for the continued oral health of Albertans.
In December 2020, the Government of Alberta passed Bill 46, The Health Statutes Amendment Act, 2020 (No. 2). This bill provided significant amendments to the Health Professions Act, including the mandatory requirement for health professional regulatory colleges to cease and divest of professional association functions and activities. With this amendment to the legislation, the ADA&C Council adopted a new name and began the process of divesting association functions and activities.
On June 1, 2022, the Alberta Dental Association and College began operating as the College of Dental Surgeons of Alberta (CDSA). In December 2023, by Royal Assent of the Miscellaneous Statutes Amendment Act, 2023 (Bill 9), the College of Dental Surgeons of Alberta (CDSA) was officially recognized.
The College of Dental Surgeons of Alberta (CDSA) continues to carry out its activities and governs the profession of dentists in a manner that protects and serves the public and patients