NDAEB Annual Report 2021

ANNUAL REPORT 2021

ANNUAL REPORT - 2021 Table of Contents 2021 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 ..................................................................................................................... 3 Standard Setting for the Written Examination ........................................................................... 3 Written Exam Results ............................................................................................................... 3 Preparation Test....................................................................................................................... 6 Clinical Practice Evaluation (CPE)................................................................................................ 6 CPE Sites ................................................................................................................................. 7 Candidate Eligibility Assessment.................................................................................................11 Internationally Trained Applicants ............................................................................................12 Certificates Issued to Date ..........................................................................................................13 Board and Committees................................................................................................................13 Board of Directors .......................................................................................................................13 Officers........................................................................................................................................13 Staff ............................................................................................................................................15 Audited Financial Statements .....................................................................................................16

Nat i ona l Denta l As s i s t i ng Exami ni ng Boa rd 1 2021 President’s Message As president of the NDAEB, I would firstly like to greet everyone with a heartfelt hello. As we enter 2022 it is a very special year for the NDAEB. As you may be aware, it is the 25th anniversary of the existence of the NDAEB. The board was established on November 15, 1997 and has continued to work diligently certifying dental assistants from coast to coast in this great country. The longevity and the strength of the NDAEB comes from the dedication and the passion of its members. Celebratory plans for the 25th anniversary of the NDAEB are underway, details and announcements are coming soon, so until then everyone is invited to celebrate this milestone in your jurisdiction. I would like to acknowledge that since the NDAEB is located in Ottawa, it is on the traditional unceded territory of the Algonquin Anishnaabeg nation. The winds of change are blowing the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation was observed on September 30th, 2021 and staff from head office participated in on-theday activities. As a board, we also look for ways to recognize the importance of bridging differences and ensuring that all dental assistants are represented, and their voices heard. As a board, we are looking for ways to participate and support meaningful Truth and Reconciliation. Training has begun as part of our Strategic Plan which will help participants identify their strengths and be better positioned to help improve the overall functionality of the board. The strength of any organization comes from its members. I would like to express my sincere gratitude to Ronda Marr for her dedication to the board as the New Brunswick Dental Society’s representative to the board, your dedication, hard work and passion for the profession will truly be missed at the board. On behalf of the board, I wish you well in your future ‘adventures’. We also thank Kate Firth as she completes her term as NDAEB Student Representative This is my first term as your President and it has been an honour to serve in this role, but my term has been well supported by CAO Steve Grundy, Donna Rushton, Past President, Janet Neduzak, Vice President, and all the staff at Head Office as well, as the Board members and committee members. Thank you for holding my hand and guiding me through the learning curve that is President of the NDAEB. I so look forward to meeting everyone in person in October, until then keep safe. “Wisdom is knowing what to do next; Skill is knowing how to do it, and Virtue is doing it.” David Starr Jordan. Regards, Elroy Officer President

ANNUAL REPORT - 2021 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 2021. The report includes Written Examination and Clinical Practice Evaluation statistics, Board and committee member information, and the 2021 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 2021, examinations were conducted for a second year using Computer Based Testing, including the use of on-line remote proctoring, as necessitated by the Covid-19 Pandemic. Examinations were constructed and evaluated and scored by a third-party testing provider, Meazure Learning (Yardstick Inc.), in conjunction with the NDAEB Chief Examiner and the NDAEB Written Exam Committee. Computer based 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 Meazure Learning (Yardstick Inc.), a leading provider of computer based examinations to deliver examinations online and at their established testing facilities and by online remote proctoring. Online and remote proctored examinations were successfully conducted during two sessions in June, and then one in September and December. Online remote proctored examinations are used when in-person testing is not possible.

Nat i ona l Denta l As s i s t i ng Exami ni ng Boa rd 3 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 Québec, 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 a team of trained volunteers representing practicing dental assistants and educators from across Canada. 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 2021. The results are reported by province and by education program categories (CDAC accredited, non-accredited, and internationally trained).

ANNUAL REPORT - 2021 4 2021 WRITTEN EXAM RESULTS BY PROVINCE AND INTERNATONAL Initial Examinations Rewrite Examinations Candidates From: Total Pass Fail Total Pass Fail British Columbia 346 300 (86.7%) 46 (13.3%) 52 35 (67.3%) 17 (32.7) Alberta 356 289 (81.2%) 67 (18.8%) 68 41 (60.3%) 27 (39.7%) Saskatchewan 50 48 (96.0%) 2 (4.0%) 9 7 (77.8%) 2 (22.2%) Manitoba 90 60 (66.7%) 30 (33.3%) 25 12 (48.0%) 13 (52.0%) Ontario 532 317 (59.6%) 215 (40.4%) 106 42 (39.6%) 64 (60.4%) Québec 0 0 (0.0%) 0 (0.0%) 0 0 (0.0%) 0 (0.0%) New Brunswick 30 25 (83.3%) 5 (16.7%) 11 7 (63.6%) 4 (36.4%) Nova Scotia 39 30 (76.9%) 9 (23.1%) 9 5 (55.6%) 4 (44.4%) Prince Edward Island 20 15 (75.0%) 5 (25.0%) 4 2 (50.0%) 2 (50.0%) Newfoundland & Labrador 21 11 (52.4%) 10 (47.6%) 13 8 (61.5%) 5 (38.5%) International 274 245 (89.4%) 29 (10.6%) 16 9 (56.3%) 7 (43.8%) Note: There was a 2.3% increase (40 more first-time writers) in 2021 compared to 2020.

Nat i ona l Denta l As s i s t i ng Exami ni ng Boa rd 5 2021 WRITTEN EXAM RESULTS CDAC ACCREDITED / NON-ACCREDITED & INTERNATIONAL PROGRAM GRADUATES Initial Examinations Rewrite Examinations Candidates From: Total Pass Fail Total Pass Fail Canadian Accredited 1,115 883 (79.2%) 232 (20.8%) 313 168 (53.7%) 145 (46.3%) Canadian Non-Accredited 374 217 (58.0%) 157 (42.0%) 50 20 (40.0%) 30 (60.0%) International 274 245 (89.4%) 29 (10.6%) 16 9 (56.3%) 7 (43.8%) Total 1,763 1,345 (76.3%) 418 (23.7%) 313 168 (53.7%) 145 (46.3%)

ANNUAL REPORT - 2021 6 Preparation Test The NDAEB launched an online Preparation Test for candidates registered for active exam sittings. Preparation tests are reflective of the national exam and are intended to help candidates prepare and become familiar with the structure of the national board exam. These tests will allow candidates to self-assess their level of preparedness to be successful on their actual exam or address areas or topics that need further review or preparation. The preparation test contains 75 multiple choice questions and will follow the same test blueprint as the true exam. Test questions will be randomized and so no two attempts will be identical. These tests are provided by the NDAEB and developed by the same item writing committee that designs questions in the NDAEB’s item bank. 2021 PREPARATION TEST SUMMARY Exam Sitting: 1 Test /per candidate 2 Tests /per candidate 3 Tests /per candidate June 2-4, 2021 86 52 70 June 28-30, 2021 162 54 53 September 27-29, 2021 113 63 79 December 8-10, 2021 91 43 53 Total Preparation Tests 452 212 255 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 Québec, 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. 80 primary evaluators and session facilitators from across Canada have been trained to administer the evaluation in a standardized format.

Nat i ona l Denta l As s i s t i ng Exami ni ng Boa rd 7 CPE Sites The CPE administered by the NDAEB is typically provided on a quarterly basis. In 2021, CPE sessions were successfully carried out at most evaluation sites across Canada. To ensure the health and safety of staff and candidates and in keeping with Covid-19 restrictions and health guidelines, NDAEB put in place travel restrictions and vaccination policies. scheduled in May/June and August were cancelled and only offered at the March and November session at select sites. In 2021, the CPE was held at the following locations: • George Brown College, Toronto, ON * Site was unavailable for 2021 due to Covid-19 restrictions • 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 2021 are included in the tables following. 2021 CLINICAL PRACTICE EVALUATION  CANDIDATE SUMMARY Candidates from: Total Initial Retake Canadian Graduates 29 20 9 International Graduates 191 147 44 Total 220 167 53 Note: Registrations were similar to 2020 with a 0.8% decrease in 2021 as a result of Covid-19 pandemic restrictions.

ANNUAL REPORT - 2021 8 2021 CLINICAL PRACTICE EVALUATION  AGGREGATE REPORT MARCH, MAY, AUGUST & 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 165 103 (62.4%) 16 15 (93.8%) 51 Skill 2 Obtains Preliminary Impressions for Study Casts 163 135 (82.8%) 3 2 (66.7%) 25 Skill 3 Applies and Removes Dental Dam 164 41 (25.0%) 44 21 (47.7%) 91 Skill 4 Selective Coronal Polishing (Rubber Cup) 163 114 (67.0%) 14 12 (85.7%) 41 Skill 5 Applies Treatment Liner (No Pulpal Involvement) 163 121 (74.2%) 14 14 (100.0%) 31 Skill 6 Applies and Removes Matrix and Wedge 164 95 (57.9%) 18 13 (72.2%) 46 Skill 7 Applies Anti-Cariogenic Agent (Tray Method) 163 146 (89.6%) 4 4 (100.0%) 26 Skill 8 Applies Pit and Fissure Sealant (Cotton Roll Isolation) 164 70 (42.7%) 28 21 (75.0%) 66 Skill 9 Applies Topical Anesthetic 163 144 (88.3%) 3 3 (100.0%) 23

Nat i ona l Denta l As s i s t i ng Exami ni ng Boa rd 9 2021 CLINICAL PRACTICE EVALUATION REPORT CANADIAN PROGRAM GRADUATES  MARCH, MAY, AUGUST & 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 19 16 (84.2%) 3 3 (100.0%) 1 Skill 2 Obtains Preliminary Impressions for Study Casts 18 14 (77.8%) 1 1 (100.0%) 1 Skill 3 Applies and Removes Dental Dam 18 8 (44.4%) 6 1 (16.7%) 2 Skill 4 Selective Coronal Polishing (Rubber Cup) 18 12 (66.7%) 3 2 (66.7%) 1 Skill 5 Applies Treatment Liner (No Pulpal Involvement) 18 12 (66.7%) 3 3 (100.0%) 0 Skill 6 Applies and Removes Matrix and Wedge 19 13 (68.4%) 2 1 (50.0%) 1 Skill 7 Applies Anti-Cariogenic Agent (Tray Method) 18 18 (100.0%) 1 1 (100.0%) 0 Skill 8 Applies Pit and Fissure Sealant (Cotton Roll Isolation) 18 7 (38.9%) 6 4 (66.7%) 1 Skill 9 Applies Topical Anesthetic 18 15 (83.3%) 2 2 (100.0%) 0

ANNUAL REPORT - 2021 10 2021 CLINICAL PRACTICE EVALUATION REPORT INTERNATIONAL PROGRAM GRADUATES  MARCH, MAY, AUGUST & 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 146 87 (59.6%) 13 12 (92.3%) 52 Skill 2 Obtains Preliminary Impressions for Study Casts 145 121 (83.4%) 2 1 (50.0%) 26 Skill 3 Applies and Removes Dental Dam 146 33 (22.6%) 38 20 (52.6%) 93 Skill 4 Selective Coronal Polishing (Rubber Cup) 145 102 (70.3%) 11 10 (90.9%) 42 Skill 5 Applies Treatment Liner (No Pulpal Involvement) 145 109 (75.2%) 11 11 (100.0%) 31 Skill 6 Applies and Removes Matrix and Wedge 145 82 (56.6%) 16 12 (75.0%) 47 Skill 7 Applies Anti-Cariogenic Agent (Tray Method) 145 128 (88.3%) 3 3 (100.0%) 26 Skill 8 Applies Pit and Fissure Sealant (Cotton Roll Isolation) 146 63 (43.2%) 22 17 (77.3%) 67 Skill 9 Applies Topical Anesthetic 145 129 (89.0%) 1 1 (100.0%) 23 Notes: 1. 1,616 individual skills were evaluated in 2021. 2. 126 individual skills were completed through education in lieu of CPE at Canadian education programs in 2021.

Nat i ona l Denta l As s i s t i ng Exami ni ng Boa rd 11 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 2021. Special Accommodations for Learning Disabilities / Disorders Alternate Exam Date for Religious Reasons 45 1 Note: Special accommodations were up 18% from the previous year. No candidates were denied special testing accommodations for the written exam in 2021. Testing accommodations provided in 2021 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 - 2021 12 Internationally Trained Applicants The table below reflects the number of internationally trained applicants who were granted exam eligibility in 2021; their countries of origin; and, their dental education category (dental assistant, dentist or hygienist). Country Where Education Completed Dentist Dental Assistant Dental Hygienist Algeria 1 Argentina 2 Bangladesh 3 Brazil 6 Columbia 1 Cuba 1 Egypt 3 Honduras 1 Hungary 3 India 182 Iran 12 Iraq 3 Jordan 2 Libya 1 Mexico 2 Nepal 1 Nigeria 10 Pakistan 16 Peru 1 Philippines 2 Romania 1 Saudi Arabia 1 South Africa 1 South Korea 1 Sri Lanka 1 Sudan 1 Syria 1 United Arab Emirates 2 United Kingdom 1 United States 2 Vietnam 3 Venezuela 3 Total 268 2 1 Note: Six internationally trained applicants were denied exam eligibility in 2021. A total of 271 international applicants in 2021 represents an increase of 12.4% from 241 in 2020.

Nat i ona l Denta l As s i s t i ng Exami ni ng Boa rd 13 Certificates Issued to Date There were 1,397 certificates were awarded in 2021, bringing a total of 46,066 NDAEB certificates issued by December 31, 2021. Appeals In 2021, the Appeals Committee heard one appeal from the June 28-30, 2021 Written Examination; the appeal was denied. Board and Committees Board of Directors Ms. Heather Brownlee, RDA, Canadian Dental Assistants’ Association Ms. Joanne Gibbons-Smyth, CDA, MEd, Commission on Dental Accreditation of Canada Dr. Maurice Coady, DDS, Dental Council of Prince Edward Island Dr. Elizabeth Constantinides, DDS, Canadian Dental Association Ms. Ronda Marr, CDA, New Brunswick Dental Society Ms. Janet Neduzak, RDA, Manitoba Dental Association Mr. Elroy Officer, CDA, Educator Representative, Accredited Programs Ms. Paula Parsons, CDA, 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. Cheryl Russell-Julien (Educator Representative, Non-Accredited Programs) Ms. Jennifer Tewes, RDA, College of Alberta Dental Assistants Ms. Brenda Yungwirth, BComm, MHS, CHE, Saskatchewan Dental Assistants’ Association [vacant], Public Member Student Representative (Non-Voting) Ms. Kate Firth, RDA Officers Mr. Elroy Officer, CDA President Ms. Janet Neduzak, RDA, CAE, Vice President Ms. Donna Rushton, RDA, Past President NDAEB Standing Committees Candidate Eligibility Assessment Committee Ms. Leslie Riva, Chair Ms. Joanne Gibbons-Smyth, CDA, Member Ms. Ronda Marr, RDA, Member Ms. Brenda Yungwirth, BComm, MHS, CHE, Member

ANNUAL REPORT - 2021 14 Appeals Committee Dr. Elizabeth Constantinides, DDS, Chair Ms. Cheryl Russell-Julien, Member Ms. Kate Firth, CDA, Member [vacant], Public Member Bylaws Committee Ms. Leslie Riva, Chair Dr. Maurice Coady, DDS, Member Ms. Brenda Yungwirth, BComm, MHS, CHE, Member Ms. Cheryl Russell-Julien, 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. Alicia Marshall, CDA II (ON) Ms. Michaela Kissova-Bouska, RDA (MB) Ms. Sherry Sand, RDA (AB) Ms. Sandra Woodrow, CDA (BC) Nominations Committee Ms. Donna Rushton, RDA, Past President, Chair Ms. Ronda Marr, RDA, Member Ms. Heather Brownlee, RDA, Member Ms. Janet Neduzak, RDA, Member [vacant], Public Member

Nat i ona l Denta l As s i s t i ng Exami ni ng Boa rd 15 Policy Review and Development Committee Ms. Jennifer Tewes, RDA, Chair Ms. Leslie Riva, Member Ms. Paula Parsons, CDA, Member Ms. Donna Rushton, RDA, Member Audit Committee Ms. Paula Parsons, CDA, Chair Ms. Heather Brownlee, RDA, Member Ms. Jennifer Tewes, RDA, Member [vacant], Public Member Staff Mr. Stephen Grundy, Chief Administrative Officer & Registrar Ms. Jamie-Lynn Flemming, Operations Manager Ms. Joanne Haché, Assessment Manager Ms. Zediwa Louro, Administrative Assistant Ms. Qaya Renwick, CPE Coordinator Ms. Roxane Deschênes, Exam Coordinator