NDAEB Annual Report 2020

ANNUAL REPORT - 2020 ANNUAL REPORT 2020

ANNUAL REPORT - 2020 Table of Contents 2020 President’s Message ................................................................................................ 1 The National Dental Assisting Examining Board ............................................................... 2 Mission........................................................................................................................... 2 Vision ............................................................................................................................. 2 Values ............................................................................................................................ 2 Psychometrics ................................................................................................................... 2 Online Testing Provider ..................................................................................................... 2 Written Examination .......................................................................................................... 2 Standard Setting for the Written Examination ................................................................ 3 Written Exam Results..................................................................................................... 3 Clinical Practice Evaluation (CPE) .................................................................................... 5 CPE Results................................................................................................................... 5 Candidate Eligibility Assessment....................................................................................... 9 Internationally Trained Applicants ................................................................................ 10 Certificates Issued to Date .............................................................................................. 11 Board of Directors ........................................................................................................... 11 Staff ................................................................................................................................. 13 Audited Financial Statements.......................................................................................... 14

Nat i ona l Denta l As s i s t i ng Exami ni ng Boa rd ANNUAL REPORT - 2020 1 2020 President’s Message As my term as President comes to an end, I would like to take a moment to say a huge thank you to each and every one of you for all of the support and encouragement over these past 2 years. It means a lot to me and without it, I would not have been as successful in this position. They say that a team is only as strong as its players and this organization has some of the strongest players that I have worked with in any organization! To our lovely Past President, Leslie Riva, you have been an incredible source of knowledge, information and strength to me over the past 2 years. You provided me with the guidance that helped me get the job done. Your knowledge of this organization is amazing and your insight from an educators/regulator point of view gave this “Chairside RDA” a completely different point of view from the one I know. Ronda Marr, thank you for all of your hard work, help and hand cramps (from cheque signing) over your term as Vice President. I am grateful for you stepping up and accepting the position of Vice President. It has been a joy working with you. As both Ronda and Leslie finish their terms as Officers, I welcome and look forward to working alongside the new incoming President and Vice President. The office staff, you guys have been fantastic! Thank you so much for keeping the office running as efficiently as you do. You guys work hard and are truly amazing at what you do! I am looking forward to continuing to work with you. Thank you to our Chief Examiner and Chief Evaluator and your teams of evaluators and exam experts, your hard work this past year has allowed us to administer the exams in the new on-line formats, which is allowing us to remain viable in this new and changing Pandemic environment. This past year has thrown us some challenges for sure, but as a group we met, accepted and succeeded in dealing with each challenge as it came to us. We have had some fantastic accomplishments this past year! The new on-line registration, Preparation exams, computer based testing and on-line proctoring are all some examples of our successes over the past year. Our work with CDAA and the CDARA allowed us to complete the NOA and initiate the current review of the Domain Description that is underway. We have also formed a new relationship with Yardstick who will be providing psychometric services and testing services to the NDAEB over the next 3 years. I would like to thank and extend Best Wishes to Dr. Harley for his years of dedicated services to NDAEB as our psychometrician. Congratulations to Susan Anholt on her retirement! Susan has provided the NDAEB with a wealth of knowledge, dedication and passion that will certainly be missed. We wish you all the best in your future endeavors. Welcome to Brenda Yungwurth, from Saskatchewan, who will be the new representative from SDAA. Finally, I would like to say a huge thank you to our CAO, Steve Grundy. His hard work and dedication to this organization has been vital to the success of the NDAEB. The amount and quality of work that has been done by him is both impressive and extensive. Steve, your help and guidance throughout my term as President has been greatly welcomed and appreciated. I am looking forward to seeing how you guide the NDAEB over the next few years. I look forward to my upcoming term as Past President and welcome the new leadership team. Thank you, Donna Rushton, RDA President, 2019-2021

ANNUAL REPORT - 2020 Nat i ona l Denta l As s i s t i ng Exami ni ng Boa rd 2 The National Dental Assisting Examining Board The NDAEB is an independent Board with representatives from the Canadian Dental Assisting Regulatory Authorities, the Canadian Dental Assistants' Association, the Canadian Dental Association, the Commission on Dental Accreditation of Canada, dental assisting educators from accredited and non-accredited educational institutes, and the public. The Board also includes a non-voting position for a Student Representative. The NDAEB provides this Annual Report to stakeholders as an overview of activities in 2020. The report includes Written Examination and Clinical Practice Evaluation statistics, Board and committee member information, and the 2020 audited financial statements. Mission The NDAEB's mission is to assure individuals have met the current national baseline standard in the knowledge and skills required by Canadian provincial or territorial regulatory authorities for recognition as an intra-oral dental assistant. Vision The NDAEB will strive for excellence in the provision of valid and reliable national dental assisting examinations. Values The NDAEB is committed to fairness, transparency and excellence in the services it provides to candidates, stakeholders and the public. Psychometrics In 2020, examinations were conducted using Computer Based Testing as necessitated by the Covid-19 Pandemic. Examinations were constructed and evaluated and scored by Dr. Dwight Harley, Ph.D., Director of Assessment and Evaluation in conjunction with the NDAEB Chief Examiner and the NDAEB Written Exam Committee. Online Testing Provider In order to continue providing the national board exam to the dental assisting candidates in a safe and secure manner during the Covid-19 pandemic, the NDAEB contracted the services of Prometric, a leading provider of online testing solutions, to deliver examinations online at testing facilities and by online remote proctoring. Online and remote proctored examinations were successfully conducted for the June, October and December 2020 exam sittings. Written Examination The NDAEB administers a 200 item multiple choice written examination four times per year at sites across Canada, and is available in both official languages. All provinces, except Quebec, require intra-oral Level II dental assistants entering the profession to hold the NDAEB certificate. The Written Exam Committee develops and maintains the exam items and is comprised of 11 volunteers representing practicing dental assistants and educators from across Canada.

ANNUAL REPORT - 2020 Nat i ona l Denta l As s i s t i ng Exami ni ng Boa rd 3 Standard Setting for the Written Examination The National Dental Assisting Examining Board uses the modified Angoff standard setting method to set passing scores for the written examination. Written Exam Results The following tables illustrate the results achieved by candidates on the written exam in 2020. The results are reported by province and by education program categories (CDAC accredited, non-accredited, and internationally trained). 2020 WRITTEN EXAM RESULTS BY PROVINCE AND INTERNATONAL Initial Examinations Rewrite Examinations Candidates From: Total Pass Fail Total Pass Fail British Columbia 295 274 (92.9%) 21 (7.1%) 14 8 (57.1%) 6 (42.9%) Alberta 325 296 (91.1%) 29 (8.9%) 14 11 (78.6%) 3 (21.4%) Saskatchewan 78 66 (84.6%) 12 (15.4%) 1 1 (100.0%) 0 (0.0%) Manitoba 70 56 (80.0%) 14 (20.0%) 5 2 (40.0%) 3 (60.0%) Ontario 635 397 (62.5%) 238 (37.5%) 91 50 (54.9%) 41 (45.1%) Quebec 0 0 (0.0%) 0 (0.0%) 0 0 (0.0%) 0 (0.0%) New Brunswick 25 19 (76.0%) 6 (24.0%) 4 4 (100.0%) 0 (0.0%) Nova Scotia 28 23 (82.1%) 5 (17.9%) 0 0 (0.0%) 0 (0.0%) Prince Edward Island 17 15 (88.2%) 2 (11.8%) 0 0 (0.0%) 0 (0.0%) Newfoundland & Labrador 32 16 (50.0%) 16 (50.0%) 11 5 (45.5%) 6 (54.5%) International 218 201 (92.2%) 17 (7.8%) 13 8 (61.5%) 5 (38.5%) Total 1,723 1,363 (79.1%) 360 (20.9%) 153 89 (58.2%) 64 (41.8%)

ANNUAL REPORT - 2020 Nat i ona l Denta l As s i s t i ng Exami ni ng Boa rd 4 Note: There were 423 (20% less) initial first-time writers in 2020 than compared to 2019, as a result of dental assisting programs being impacted by Covid-19 restrictions and/or closures. 2020 WRITTEN EXAM RESULTS CDAC ACCREDITED / NON-ACCREDITED & INTERNATIONAL PROGRAM GRADUATES Initial Examinations Rewrite Examinations Candidates From: Total Pass Fail Total Pass Fail Canadian Accredited 1,159 933 (80.5%) 226 (19.5%) 89 58 (65.2%) 31 (34.8%) Canadian Non-Accredited 346 229 (66.2%) 117 (33.8%) 51 23 (45.1%) 28 (54.9%) International 218 201 (92.2%) 17 (7.8%) 13 8 (61.5%) 5 (38.5%) Total 1,723 1,363 (79.1%) 360 (20.9%) 153 89 (58.2%) 64 (41.8%)

ANNUAL REPORT - 2020 Nat i ona l Denta l As s i s t i ng Exami ni ng Boa rd 5 Clinical Practice Evaluation (CPE) The NDAEB developed the Clinical Practice Evaluation in 2001 to assist the Canadian Dental Assisting Regulatory Authorities with the implementation of the Mutual Recognition Agreement for Dental Assisting. The NDAEB does not require graduates of Canadian dental assisting education programs to take the Clinical Practice Evaluation to attain the NDAEB certificate. The Canadian Dental Assisting Regulatory Authorities determine if the CPE is required by graduates of Canadian non-accredited programs as part of the licensure/registration process in a province. Currently, all provinces except Ontario and Quebec, require graduates of non-accredited dental assisting programs to successfully complete the CPE to attain a license/registration to practice. The NDAEB requires international applicants to successfully complete the CPE, or attend voluntary education upgrading at a Canadian education program in lieu of the CPE, to attain the NDAEB certificate. Canadian program graduates may attend education upgrading; to meet initial exam eligibility requirements, or when they have been unsuccessful on individual skills after three attempts on the CPE. Some candidates choose to attend voluntary education rather than take the Clinical Practice Evaluation. Candidates wishing to attend education upgrading in Canada are encouraged to attend CDAC accredited institutions for labour mobility purposes. 85 primary evaluators and session facilitators from across Canada have been trained to administer the evaluation in a standardized format. CPE Results The CPE is administered by the NDAEB is typically provided on a quarterly basis. Due to Covid-19, the CPE sessions scheduled in May/June and August were cancelled and only offered at the March and November session at select sites. In 2020, the CPE was held at the following locations: • George Brown College, Toronto, ON • CDI College, Winnipeg, MB • Saskatchewan Polytechnic, Regina, SK • Northern Alberta Institute of Technology, Edmonton, AB • Vancouver Community College, Vancouver, BC • Holland College, Charlottetown, PE The results of CPE sessions held in 2020 are included in the tables following. 2020 CLINICAL PRACTICE EVALUATION  CANDIDATE SUMMARY Candidates from: Total Initial Retake Canadian Graduates 23 6 17 International Graduates 101 67 34 Total 124 73 51 Note: Registration was down approximately 57% in 2020 as compared to 2019 as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic cancellations.

ANNUAL REPORT - 2020 Nat i ona l Denta l As s i s t i ng Exami ni ng Boa rd 6 2020 CLINICAL PRACTICE EVALUATION  AGGREGATE REPORT MARCH & NOVEMBER SESSIONS Skill Initial Evaluations Subsequent Evaluations Number of Candidates Completing Voluntary Education at Canadian Programs in Lieu of CPE Number of Candidates Successful Initial Evaluations Number of Candidates Successful Subsequent Evaluations Skill 1 Exposes Dental Radiographs 71 45 (63.4%) 24 18 (75.0%) 15 Skill 2 Obtains Preliminary Impressions for Study Casts 72 62 (86.1%) 11 10 (90.9%) 10 Skill 3 Applies and Removes Dental Dam 73 12 (16.4%) 37 20 (54.1%) 27 Skill 4 Selective Coronal Polishing (Rubber Cup) 72 47 (65.3%) 15 10 (66.7%) 10 Skill 5 Applies Treatment Liner (No Pulpal Involvement) 73 54 (74.0%) 5 5 (100.0%) 9 Skill 6 Applies and Removes Matrix and Wedge 72 41 (56.9%) 15 9 (60.0%) 16 Skill 7 Applies Anti-Cariogenic Agent (Tray Method) 72 63 (87.5%) 3 2 (66.7%) 4 Skill 8 Applies Pit and Fissure Sealant (Cotton Roll Isolation) 72 22 (30.6%) 24 18 (75.0%) 17 Skill 9 Applies Topical Anesthetic 72 67 (93.1%) 5 5 (100.0%) 5

ANNUAL REPORT - 2020 Nat i ona l Denta l As s i s t i ng Exami ni ng Boa rd 7 2020 CLINICAL PRACTICE EVALUATION REPORT INTERNATIONAL PROGRAM GRADUATES  MARCH & NOVEMBER SESSIONS Skill Initial Evaluations Subsequent Evaluations Number of Candidates Completing Voluntary Education at Canadian Programs in Lieu of CPE Number of Candidates Successful Initial Evaluations Number of Candidates Successful Subsequent Evaluations Skill 1 Exposes Dental Radiographs 6 5 (83.3%) 10 6 (60.0%) 2 Skill 2 Obtains Preliminary Impressions for Study Casts 6 6 (100.0%) 3 2 (66.7%) 1 Skill 3 Applies and Removes Dental Dam 6 1 (16.7%) 12 9 (75.0%) 3 Skill 4 Selective Coronal Polishing (Rubber Cup) 6 4 (66.7%) 2 2 (100.0%) 0 Skill 5 Applies Treatment Liner (No Pulpal Involvement) 6 3 (50.0%) 1 1 (100.0%) 1 Skill 6 Applies and Removes Matrix and Wedge 6 2 (33.3%) 3 2 (66.7%) 1 Skill 7 Applies Anti-Cariogenic Agent (Tray Method) 6 5 (83.3%) 0 0 (0.0%) 0 Skill 8 Applies Pit and Fissure Sealant (Cotton Roll Isolation) 6 1 (16.7%) 7 6 (85.7%) 1 Skill 9 Applies Topical Anesthetic 6 5 (83.3%) 2 2 (100.0%) 0

ANNUAL REPORT - 2020 Nat i ona l Denta l As s i s t i ng Exami ni ng Boa rd 8 2020 CLINICAL PRACTICE EVALUATION REPORT CANADIAN PROGRAM GRADUATES  MARCH & NOVEMBER SESSIONS Skill Initial Evaluations Subsequent Evaluations Number of Candidates Completing Voluntary Education at Canadian Programs in Lieu of CPE Number of Candidates Successful Initial Evaluations Number of Candidates Successful Subsequent Evaluations Skill 1 Exposes Dental Radiographs 65 40 (61.5%) 14 12 (85.7%) 13 Skill 2 Obtains Preliminary Impressions for Study Casts 66 56 (84.8%) 8 8 (100.0%) 9 Skill 3 Applies and Removes Dental Dam 67 11 (16.4%) 25 11 (44.0%) 24 Skill 4 Selective Coronal Polishing (Rubber Cup) 66 43 (65.2%) 13 8 (61.5%) 10 Skill 5 Applies Treatment Liner (No Pulpal Involvement) 67 51 (76.1%) 4 4 (100.0%) 8 Skill 6 Applies and Removes Matrix and Wedge 66 39 (59.1%) 12 7 (58.3%) 15 Skill 7 Applies Anti-Cariogenic Agent (Tray Method) 66 58 (87.9%) 3 2 (66.7%) 4 Skill 8 Applies Pit and Fissure Sealant (Cotton Roll Isolation) 66 21 (31.8%) 17 12 (70.6%) 16 Skill 9 Applies Topical Anesthetic 66 62 (93.9%) 3 3 (100.0%) 5 Notes: 1. 788 individual skills were evaluated in 2020. 2. 133 individual skills were completed through education in lieu of CPE at Canadian education programs in 2020.

ANNUAL REPORT - 2020 Nat i ona l Denta l As s i s t i ng Exami ni ng Boa rd 9 Candidate Eligibility Assessment The NDAEB has a mechanism in place to fairly assess the eligibility of all applicants to write the national exam. Graduates of programs accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of Canada are granted exam eligibility without further verification. Graduates of Canadian non-accredited dental assisting education programs must have their academic credentials assessed in comparison to the NDAEB standard. The process requires Canadian non-accredited institutions to submit curricula for assessment by the NDAEB on behalf of their students every five years and to complete a program survey annually. Graduates of international programs, including allied dental professionals (dentists and hygienists), are required to submit academic records and a report from one of three credentials assessment agencies recognized by the NDAEB (International Credential Evaluation Services, International Qualification Assessment Services, or World Education Services). Staff assess the files and make recommendations which are reviewed by the Candidate Eligibility Assessment Committee (CEAC). International applicants are required to successfully complete the Written Exam and the Clinical Practice Evaluation, or attend voluntary education upgrading in Canada in lieu of the CPE, to attain the NDAEB certificate. In addition to considering the eligibility of candidates to write the NDAEB exam, the CEAC considers requests for special testing accommodations related to learning disabilities and requests for alternate testing dates for religious reasons. The table below reflects the number of candidates granted special testing accommodations in 2020. Special Accommodations for Learning Disabilities / Disorders Alternate Exam Date for Religious Reasons 39 0 Note: Special accommodations were down 39% from the previous year. Three candidates were denied special testing accommodations for the written exam in 2020. Testing accommodations provided in 2020 included extra time, an exam reader, a recorder, and a quiet room. Candidates requesting testing accommodations must submit a report from a psychologist or learning disabilities specialist, confirming the nature of their disability/disorder and recommendations for special testing accommodations. Candidates requesting alternate test dates for religious reasons must have supporting documentation from a religious leader.

ANNUAL REPORT - 2020 Nat i ona l Denta l As s i s t i ng Exami ni ng Boa rd 10 Internationally Trained Applicants The table below reflects the number of internationally trained applicants who were granted exam eligibility in 2020; their countries of origin; and, their dental education category (dental assistant, dentist or hygienist). Country Where Education Completed Dentist Dental Assistant Dental Hygienist Afghanistan 1 Baghdad 1 Bangladesh 2 Belarus 2 Brazil 10 Columbia 3 Costa Rica 3 China 1 Dominican Republic 1 Egypt 5 Ghana 1 India 158 Iran 1 Korea 1 Libya 1 Mexico 3 Nigeria 17 Pakistan 11 Peru 2 Philippines 2 South Africa 1 Sudan 4 Syria 2 Ukraine 1 United Arab Emirates 1 United Kingdom 1 United States 2 Venezuela 2 Yemen 1 Total 239 2 Note: Five internationally trained applicants were denied exam eligibility in 2020. A total of 241 international applicants in 2020 represents an increase of 21% from 199 in 2019.

ANNUAL REPORT - 2020 Nat i ona l Denta l As s i s t i ng Exami ni ng Boa rd 11 Certificates Issued to Date 44,669 NDAEB certificates have been issued as of December 31, 2020. Appeals In 2020, the Appeals Committee did not hear any appeals for either the Written Examination or the Clinical Practice Evaluation. Board and Committees Board of Directors Ms. Susan Anholt, RDA, BA, Saskatchewan Dental Assistants’ Association (retired September 2020) Ms. Elvira Bodnarchuk, RDH, Commission on Dental Accreditation of Canada Dr. Maurice Coady, DDS, Dental Council of Prince Edward Island Dr. Elizabeth Constantinides, DDS, Canadian Dental Association Dr. Vance Logan, Public Member Ms. Ronda Marr, CDA, New Brunswick Dental Society Ms. Janet Neduzak, RDA, Manitoba Dental Association Ms. Judy Oakley, RDA, Canadian Dental Assistants’ Association Mr. Elroy Officer, CDA, Educator Representative, Accredited Programs Ms. Paula Parsons, RDA, Newfoundland & Labrador Dental Board Ms. Leslie Riva, College of Dental Surgeons of British Columbia Ms. Donna Rushton, RDA, Provincial Dental Board of Nova Scotia Ms. Jennifer Tewes, RDA, College of Alberta Dental Assistants Ms. Brenda Yungwirth, Saskatchewan Dental Assistants’ Association (incoming) Student Representative (Non-Voting) Ms. Donna Chanthasiry, RDA (AB) Ms. Kate Firth, RDA (Incoming) Officers Ms. Donna Rushton, RDA, President Ms. Ronda Marr, CDA, Vice President Ms. Leslie Riva, Past President NDAEB Standing Committees Candidate Eligibility Assessment Committee Ms. Judy Oakley, RDA, Chair Mr. Elroy Officer, CDA, Member Ms. Donna Rushton, RDA, Member Ms. C. Athena Wilford, RDA, Past-Member

ANNUAL REPORT - 2020 Nat i ona l Denta l As s i s t i ng Exami ni ng Boa rd 12 Appeals Committee Dr. Vance Logan, Chair Dr. Daniel Albert, DDS, Past-Member Dr. Elizabeth Constantinides, DDS, Member Ms. Kate Firth, CDA, Member Bylaws Committee Ms. Susan Anholt, RDA, BA, Chair Dr. Maurice Coady, DDS, Member Ms. Leslie Riva, Member Ms. Cheryl Russell-Julien, Member Dr. Ray Wenn, DDS, Past-Member Written Exam Committee Chief Examiner Ms. Donna Selski, CDA/RDA, MA (L) (BC) Members/Item Writers Ms. Lois Bergs, RDA (MB) Ms. Rhonda Hilker, RDA (ON) Ms. Guylaine Lamoureux, CDA II (ON) Ms. Erin Nkeyasen, RDA (SK) Ms Angela O’Hanley, RDA (NS) Ms. Ailsa Trottier, CDA II (ON) Clinical Practice Evaluation Committee Chief Evaluator Ms. Michele Rosko, CDA, B Ed, Chief Evaluator (BC) Members Ms. Michaela Kissova-Bouska, RDA (MB) Ms. Alicia Marshall, CDA II (ON) Ms. Sherry Sand, RDA (AB) Ms. Sandra Woodrow, CDA (BC) Nominations Committee Ms. Leslie Riva, Past President, Chair Dr. Daniel Albert, DDS, Past-Member Ms. Elvira Bodnarchuk, RDH, Member Ms. Ronda Marr, RDA, Member Ms. Donna Rushton, RDA, Member

ANNUAL REPORT - 2020 Nat i ona l Denta l As s i s t i ng Exami ni ng Boa rd 13 Policy Review and Development Committee Ms. Jennifer Tewes, RDA, Chair Ms. Susan Anholt, RDA, Member Ms. Calla Effa, CDA, Past-Member Ms. Elaine McKay, RDA, Past-Member Ms. Leslie Riva, Member Audit Committee Ms. Paula Parsons, RDA, Chair Ms. Susan Anholt, RDA, BA, Member Dr. Maurice Coady, DDS, Member Ms. Jennifer Tewes, RDA, Member Dr. Ray Wenn, DDS, Past-Member NDAEB Special Committees Board Governance Committee Ms. Leslie Riva, Chair Ms. Elvira Bodnarchuk, RDH, Member Ms. Carey Thurlow, RDA, Past-Director Ms. C. Athena Wilford, RDA, Past-Member Financial Management Committee Ms. Carey Thurlow, RDA, Chair Ms. Calla Effa, RDA, Past-Member Ms. Ronda Marr, CDA Member Ms. Leslie Riva, Member Staff Mr. Stephen Grundy, Chief Administrative Officer & Registrar Ms. Jamie-Lynn Flemming, BA, Dip(DH), Coordinator, Reporting & Special Projects Ms. Zediwa Louro, Administrative Assistant Ms. Rania Sherif, Exam Coordinator (Acting)

ANNUAL REPORT - 2020 Nat i ona l Denta l As s i s t i ng Exami ni ng Boa rd 14 Audited Financial Statements