Dental Assisting Certification Program Accreditation

The Mike Petryk School of Dentistry is proud to announce that our Dental Assisting (DA) Certification Program has officially achieved accreditation status.

The DA program's journey has been marked by remarkable resilience and momentum. Its development began during the challenges of the pandemic, navigated the University of Alberta governance process, and received official approval from the University’s Board of Governors in June 2022. The program proudly welcomed its inaugural cohort in April 2024.

This successful outcome—achieved so quickly after launch—provides crucial, third- party validation of our uncompromising commitment to quality programming and excellence in oral health education. This achievement reaffirms the rigorous standards we uphold for our students, faculty, and the profession at large. This milestone is a school-wide victory rooted in leadership and collective effort, but its success was also contingent upon the unwavering support of our entire community. We are grateful for the early recognition and assistance from our alumni, professional associations, regulatory bodies, and private practice professionals.

This accreditation formally secures the reputation and long-term impact of the program. It ensures that the Mike Petryk School of Dentistry remains a leader in comprehensive oral health education, addressing critical workforce needs while maintaining the highest standards of patient care.

We extend our sincere congratulations to Carla Clarke and the entire Dental Assisting Program team, as well as the many faculty and staff members whose contributions led to this exceptional result.

The Mike Petryk School of Dentistry remains committed to excellence in education, research, and community service, shaping the future of oral health in Canada.