Continuing Dental Education
Our comprehensive offerings use the latest technologies from evidence-based practices by subject matter experts.
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Overview | Program topic areas | Special events | About us
Our mission
We are a leader in certification and education programs for dentists, dental hygienists, registered dental assistants, sterilization assistants and other health practitioners. Backed by the University of Alberta, we offer true competency education to help those in oral health expand their abilities and expertise.
Ongoing training for the oral health-care team. Join thousands of oral health-care practitioners who have elevated their careers through the University of Alberta's continuing dental education programs. We offer over 30 CE opportunities for oral health-care practitioners.
Dental lasers
Two courses | Dentists and RDHs
Gain advanced training in the application of lasers in a clinical setting. Our laser programming consists of training opportunities for dentists and RDHs.
Implantology
Two courses for dentists
Our dental implantology programming offers interdisciplinary education for the health-care team aimed at creating leaders who offer their patients dental implants with a high standard of care.
Local anesthetics
Two courses for RDHs
Our program offers RDHs interested in administering local anesthetics the training necessary to become certified and stay up-to-date.
Fillers
Seven courses | Various practitioners
Our aesthetics programming offers general practitioners interested in the impact that facial aesthetics can have on quality of life the opportunity to learn from a diverse faculty in Canada’s only certified fillers program.
Neuromodulators
Seven courses | Various practitioners
Our neuromodulator programming offers world class educational and training opportunities to incorporate neuromodulator therapeutics into the dental practice.
Obstructive sleep apnea
Four levels | Dentists and RDHs
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) poses a significant challenge to modern society and dentistry plays a direct role in treating this health issue. Acquire the education and training necessary to treat OSA.
Orthodontics
Four courses | Dentists, RDHs and RDAs
Our orthodontics programming offers interdisciplinary education and training to contribute to the treatment, prevention, and management of a patient's teeth and jaw.
Periodontology
Two courses for Dentists
This program expands on existing knowledge through hands-on training in restoring posterior dentition with the ability to adjust tissue and bone anatomy.
Pharmacology
Multiple modules for RDHs
Elevate health-care collaboration and communication skills at Alberta’s only prescribing course for RDHs. Successful completion of the course allows RDHs to apply for a prescribers ID and the ability to issue Schedule 1 drugs.
Radiology
Four courses | Dentists, RDHs and RDAs
Our radiology programming delivers interdisciplinary education and training for the entire dental team aimed at improving the standard of care and providing exciting new opportunities.
Refreshers
Two courses for RDHs
These courses can get participants up to speed with the latest competency requirements and prepare them to return to practice.
Sedation
Six courses | Dentists, RDHs and RDAs
Our sedation programming offers interdisciplinary education and training for the dental team so that oral health-care professionals can help incorporate sedation into their practice.
Sterilization
Two courses, open to all
Participants will learn how to implement and maintain infection prevention and control standards and succeed in ensuring compliance and safe patient care.
Online
Multiple offerings for dentists, RDHs and RDAs
Take advantage of a remote offering.
Atraumatic restorative therapy
One course for RDHs
Our restorative dentistry program currently offers training for RDHs focused on the interim restoration of decayed teeth.
Instrument Care
One course, open to all
Learn how to properly maintain dental instruments to ensure they're in peak condition and to extend their lifespan.
Event
OSA Advanced Symposium
In-person/Online | CE credits vary | Dentists, RDHs, RDAs
High altitude meets high-impact learning. Pack your hiking boots for Banff or log in live for a weekend of OSA lectures.
Event
Pediatric Dentistry Endowed Lecture
In-person | 7 CE credits | Dentists, RDHs, RDAs
This course will explore early orthodontic treatment from a growth-based perspective, emphasizing how differences in craniofacial growth patterns influence treatment.
Event
Sedation Updater
In-person/Online | CE credits vary | Whole office
Join us in Whistler, BC, January 28-30, 2027, for our annual retreat. This two-day event will include an exciting array of lectures, and the snowy mountain peaks offer excitement for everyone in the office and your family.
Event
Wellness Retreat
In-person/Online | CE credits vary | Whole office
We are hosting our third annual Wellness Retreat at the Botanic Garden on September 27, 2026. Enjoy new speakers, wellness activities, and an improved schedule to optimize your time between learning and relaxation.
The U of A Advantage
High-quality continuing education in a supportive environment.
Our diverse faculty members, who are experts in their fields, bring unwavering dedication and expertise to our programs. We provide oral health-care professionals with access to education that is:
- Leading and backed by the strength of the University of Alberta.
- Non-industry biased, focusing on knowledge and tools, not brands.
- Held to a high standard to ensure competency-driven education to help expand your career and practice.
Our director
Dr. James Yacyshyn
director, continuing dental education
Dr. Yacyshyn, DDS, MS, BSc, obtained his bachelor of science and doctor of dental surgery from the University of Alberta and completed a masters in applied science engineering from the University of Toronto. With a background in health technology and informatics, Dr. Yacyshyn joined the Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry in 2001 and was later appointed as the director of continuing dental education in 2002.
As director, Dr. Yacyshyn has developed and facilitated numerous educational programs spanning various topics for licensed dentists, dental hygienists, dental assistants and allied health practitioners across Alberta, nationally and internationally. Additionally, through clinical programs, we have provided care for numerous patients over the years.
If you have any ideas, challenges, or opportunities that you want to share, please reach out to us, together we can pursue excellence in continuing dental education and patient care.
Keeping you in the know
Stay up-to-date on the latest continuing dental education offers, events and courses.