Regulators of Dental Technologists and Technicians of Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Quebec, Ontario, Saskatchewan, Alberta and British Columbia have partnered with The Canadian Alliance of Dental Technology Regulators (CADTR) to develop a new dental technology competency examination (entry-to-practice), anticipated to launch in 2021.
The Canadian Alliance of Dental Technology Regulators (CADTR) will assess credentials and administer the Dental Technology Entry-to-Practice Assessment (DTETPA), on behalf of the participating jurisdictional regulators in Canada.
The DTETPA measures the Canadian competencies required for entry-to-practice. It will ensure dental technologists/ technicians who enter the profession have the knowledge, skills and judgment needed at the beginning of their careers.
The DTETPA will replace the participating regulatory jurisdiction’s entry-to-practice examinations for new applicants and is set to launch in 2021. The exam will be administered solely by the CADTR, while all regulatory jurisdictions will continue to administer other examinations necessary for registration, such as the Jurisprudence & Ethics examination.
The development of the DTETPA, was done in 2019, through a collaborative effort between experts in exam development, Spire Psychometrics Inc., Canadian educators and current Registered Dental Technologists (RDTs) / Technicians across Canada. A pilot study is underway to ensure the feasibility of the process and to ensure the exam meets the current requirements for entry-to-practice.
Format
The DTETPA will be administered in two (2) parts: a written Knowledge-Based Assessment (KBA), and a Performance-Based Assessment (PBA). The Knowledge-Based Assessment will be a virtually proctored computer-based exam comprised of 150-200 multiple choice and/or multiple select questions, taking no more than four (4) hours to complete. The Performance-Based Assessment will consist of 8-12 stations to assess technical and non-technical skills, taking no more than four (4) hours to complete.
Benefits of these changes:
• Less time required away from other obligations (e.g. work/family). • Accessibility and security through virtual proctoring of the KBA. • Faster Feedback: Exam writers will have their results sooner. • Availability of prep materials: Study and exam practice materials are being developed and will be made available in English and French. • Reduced costs: Exam writers will not have to commute back and forth to the exam site; or stay overnight for an extended period; or secure and transport expensive equipment and/or supplies. More information regarding the examination will be released on the CADTR website over the next few months.
Subscribe to the Access to Dental Technology (ADT) Project to receive updates and important information about the DTETPA.
