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College of Dental Technologists of Ontario

The College of Dental Technologists of Ontario (CDTO) is the governing body for dental technologists in Ontario. The Office of the Fairness Commissioner (OFC) oversees the registration practices of the college to ensure that they are transparent, objective, impartial and fair for anyone who wants to practise as a dental technologist in this province.

Fair Registration Practices (FRP) Report, 2010

Applications to Practise Processed by the CDTO in 2010
Jan. 1 to Dec. 31 Jurisdiction Where Applicants Received Their Training Total
Ontario Other Canadian Provinces USA Other International Unknown
New applications received18405027
Applicants who became members9401014

Fair Registration Practices (FRP) Report, 2009

Practical Training: In December 2009, the CDTO Council revised and approved proposed regulation amendments and forwarded them to the OFC. The OFC has reviewed them and given feedback. Proposed amendments include removing the requirement for 1950 hours of practical training. This change eliminates the need for Canadian experience, which is often difficult for internationally trained individuals to get, and helps streamline the CDTO's registration practices.

For a description of all OFC-monitored developments for this profession for 2009, see the 2009-2010 Annual Report.

Applications to Practise Processed by the CDTO in 2009
Jan. 1 to Dec. 31 Jurisdiction Where Applicants Received Their Training Total
Ontario Other Canadian Provinces USA Other International Unknown
New applications received204016040
Applicants who became members13207022

Fair Registration Practices (FRP) Report, 2008

The CDTO proposed changes to its registration regulation in the fall of 2008 that will allow it to accept applicants who were educated in privately operated institutions approved by the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities. These changes are supported by the OFC because they would increase the number of approved programs available to applicants.

However, the OFC expressed concern about a second proposal, which would no longer recognize practical training obtained outside Canada. Applicants who were trained abroad may find it difficult to obtain Canadian experience, and having to fulfil this requirement could significantly delay their registration. The OFC suggested that the CDTO consider alternatives – for example, requiring applicants who do not have Canadian experience to complete additional courses or to obtain practical experience in volunteer positions or unpaid internships. It further recommended that, if Canadian experience is deemed necessary, the college articulate clearly why it is necessary, and offer applicants assistance in finding opportunities to complete the requirement – for example, through mentoring programs, with members as mentors.

The proposed changes have been submitted to the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care and, as of March 31, 2009, the ministry was still reviewing them.

The CDTO recently signed a mutual recognition agreement (MRA) with New Brunswick. It already had negotiated MRAs with Quebec, British Columbia and Alberta. These agreements facilitate the movement of qualified practitioners between the jurisdictions of parties to the agreement.

Applications to Practise Processed by the CDTO in 2008
Jan. 1 to Dec. 31 Jurisdiction Where Applicants Received Their Training Total
Ontario Other Canadian Provinces USA Other International Unknown
New applications received18308029
Applicants who became members5105011

During the fall and winter of 2007-2008, the OFC undertook a study of the CDTO to understand its 2007 registration practices and establish baseline data and information. PDF

The CDTO uses the following outside organization/s to assess the qualifications of its applicants:

The College of Dental Technologists of Ontario falls under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care.

CDTO The OFC does not assess credentials, handle complaints or intervene in particular cases. Our mandate is one of systemic change. Please contact the CDTO for further information about your ability to practise as a dental technologist in Ontario.

Registration Improvement

The College of Dental Technologists meets with applicants who wish to go over their exam results so they understand why they failed.

The Council of the College of Dental Technologists of Ontario proposed amendment to its registration regulation to the Ontario government in December 2009. The amendment would remove the need for Canadian experience, which is often difficult for internationally trained individuals to get.