A Continuing Competence Program (CCP) is a system for assessing, maintaining and monitoring ongoing knowledge, skills, attitudes and judgments of a professional practitioner. It is a way of ensuring a high level of expertise, competence and appropriate ethics in performing the job.

Competency is defined as the quality of being functionally proficient in performing the tasks and assuming the role of a specified position with the requisite knowledge, ability, capability, skill, judgment, attitudes and values. The Alberta Health Professions Act (2000) defines competence as the “combined knowledge, skills, attitudes and judgment required to provide professional services.” A Competency Profile is a detailed and specific description of the knowledge, skills, behaviors and critical judgments inherent in the role, trade or profession.

There are three good reasons to develop a Continuing Competence Program. Firstly, every profession is responsible to serve the public in a competent and ethical manner. The Alberta Dental Association + College has a mandate and responsibility to ensure that Albertans receive safe, appropriate, ethical and quality dental care as an integral part of general health.

Secondly, each professional has the responsibility to assess his/her own performance and to maintain his/her competence. Dentists have a long and proud history of providing safe and quality services, and using continuing education to stay current and improve services.

Thirdly, the Albera Health Professions Act requires all regulated health professions to have a responsible, accountable and formal means of assessing and reporting the continuing competence of its members. All regulated health professions in Alberta are required to establish a Continuing Competence Program, to set up a Competency Committee and report to the government.

Applications and benefits

An effective Continuing Competence Program has the following applications and benefits:

1.  Record, track and manage the competency data of practitioners.

2.  Enable regulatory bodies and governments to monitor the levels and changes in competencies among the members of their professions.

3.  Identify potential training, upgrading and professional development requirements for the dentists.

4.  Provide data for reviewing and revising key performance indicators and standards.

5.  Reduce the risk and liability to practicing professionals by showing that they have the appropriate training and competencies.

6.  Provide additional data to educational institutions to assist them in reviewing and revising their programming for practitioners.

7.  Provide up-to-date reports.  

8.  Provide data to ADA+C and its members for possible research into practitioner effectiveness, resource planning and other topics relevant to maximizing the effectiveness and efficiency of the profession.

Steps in the annual ADA+C's Self-Evaluation Professional Development Program

Step 1: Review the Competency Profile. Take time to familiarize yourself with the Alberta Dentists' Competency Profile. Remember that the Profile is a comprehensive and detailed listing of the full range of competencies within the practice of dentistry in Alberta. No single dentist is expected to possess all of these competencies.

Step 2: Complete the Self-Assessment Form. This can be done using the online forms provided on this site.

Step 3: Review and analyze the results of your self assessment using the reporting system provided on this website. Identify 3 to 5 key areas for professional development for the coming year.

Step 4: Complete the Professional Development Plan / Record.

Step 5: Record and report on your progress in implementing your Professional Development Plan. This can be done on the same online form as your Professional Development Plan.