WELCOME TO OUR WEBSITE!
Toll free: 1-866-530-9189 within NB
Tel: 506-876-4662 Fax: (506) 532-3635
Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday from 1:30 p.m. to 5 p.m.
New Brunswick Dental Assistants' Association des assistant(e)s dentaires du Nouveau-Brunswick
P.O. Box / C.P. 2095, Richibucto, NB E4W 5P2
e-mail: bernioff@nb.sympatico.ca
e-mail: bernioff@nb.sympatico.ca
Bernice Léger, Bilingual Office Coordinator
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CDAA has developed a short survey (3 questions) in both official languages regarding Covid-19 and return to practice. Please respond to the survey before July 30, 2020.
The survey is completely anonymous.
The links to the survey:
The Chief Dental Officer of Canada has shared the following webinar event with Canada’s national oral health organizations. The event may be of interest to you.
It is a free event. See the poster here, and the live link for registration can be found below.
The topic of the webinar is: “Infection Prevention/Control in Dentistry, Post-Pandemic Planning:”
The webinar will be given by Ms. Kathy Eklund, RDH MHP who is currently the Director of Occupational Health and Safety at The Forsyth Institute. She is also a past Chair of the Organization for Safety Asepsis and Prevention (OSAP) and current member of the OSAP Board of Directors, and has been a contributing author for the CDC Guidelines for Infection Control in Dental Health Care Settings.
The webinar is presented from a United States perspective but may include relevant information applicable to the Canadian context.
In order to access the webinar, individuals must first register for free with the NEAETC. It will ask for an email, address, etc. Please ensure “Other” is selected for state and enter 00000 for the ZIP code.
The Chief Dental Officer of Canada has shared the following information with Canada’s national oral health organizations:
Health Canada engaged a task force composed of a broad range of technical and scientific experts to assess the health risks posed by hand sanitizers containing technical-grade ethanol. Based on the results of this assessment, Health Canada determined that, when used as directed and for a limited period of time, the public health benefits of using hand sanitizer containing specific sources of technical-grade ethanol outweigh the risk. For more information, consult Health Canada’s risk assessment summary report.
To date, seven companies have been authorized to produce technical-grade ethanol for use in hand sanitizer following a case-by-case risk assessment. Health Canada has published a list of authorized suppliers.
As noted in the Summary Risk Assessment Report, risk is a function of hazard and exposure. The lower the exposure to acetaldehyde in the alcohol-based hand sanitizers, in terms of concentration, quantity of hand sanitizer used in each application, frequency of applications per day, and duration of use, the lower the risk. While the task force considered acetaldehyde levels of 1,000 ppm in their analysis, authorized producers have been working to reduce impurity levels to the point where current levels of acetaldehyde are between 10-400 ppm. Based on these lower levels, the task force is currently reviewing its risk assessment to determine if extensions are warranted for suppliers of technical grade ethanol and producers of hand sanitizers, and whether any of the conditions including additional labelling requirements need to be adjusted. The updated risk assessment report should be available in mid-June.
To help you identify hand sanitizers that may contain technical-grade ethanol, we have published a list of manufacturers who received “No Objection Letters” from Health Canada to produce hand sanitizers using authorized technical-grade ethanol.
Products on this list do not necessarily contain technical-grade ethanol. Manufacturers may continue to produce the hand sanitizer using food or pharmaceutical grade ethanol, switching to technical-grade only when higher quality grades cannot be sourced.
The best way to identify whether a hand sanitizers contains technical-grade ethanol, is to refer to the product label. The product label must clearly indicate that it contains technical-grade ethanol, and include the following statements. The first two warnings reflect the fact that the task force did not assess the risk specifically to children, pregnant, and breastfeeding women. This takes a cautious approach and is consistent with Health Canada’s approach to mitigate risk and protect vulnerable populations.
- Do not use if you are pregnant or breastfeeding;
- Adults only;
- Do not inhale; and
- Do not use on broken or damaged skin.
The health and safety of Canadians is Health Canada’s top priority and the Health Department is doing everything possible to facilitate access to products needed to slow the spread of COVID-19. The Department encourages anyone who has information regarding the potential non-compliant sale of a health product, including technical-grade ethanol, to report it using the online complaint form.
Following the results of the Healthy and Respectful Workplace survey and the FREEDAC study, CDAA has developed a Vision for a Healthy and Respectful Workplace, based on the responses of your members.
As part of the larger pan-government response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Innovation for Defence Excellence and Security (IDEaS) program is participating in a multi-departmental initiative seeking innovative solutions to help in the fight.In support of members of the Canadian Armed Forces and the public safety community, these challenges were designed to strengthen Canada's ability to anticipate, prepare for, and respond to future pandemics, as well as other emergencies such as natural disasters or terrorist attacks.
The below challenges are focused on improving disease tracking and likely exposure to COVID-19 using data analytics as well as making sure those on the front lines have a safe operating environment through a combination of better decontamination technology and improved personal protective equipment.
The following challenges are now available:
IDEaS will be hosting an information session via webinar on June 11, 2020 to answer questions about the application process and any technical questions. Register now
Deadline to submit proposals to the IDEaS program is June 23, 2020.
Please directly apply at Canada.ca/Defence-Ideas
The Chief Dental Officer of Canada has shared the following user notices with Canada’s national oral health organizations:
From the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the US National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), tips and visual aids on how to identify counterfeit respirators (masks):
I understand these are sourced from the US, however, many products are similarly designated as counterfeit in Canada.
As a dental assistant, you will want to read this article titled "CDAA Response Article on the FREEDAC Study" Make sure to read it.
The Chief Dental Officer of Canada has shared the following study with Canada’s national oral health organizations.
Given the impact COVID-19 is having on all industries across Canada, insurance companies are offering relief measures for their clients. CDAA’s Group Benefits’ provider, Prolink Insurance, is offering the attached discount to CDAA members who participate in the CDAA Group Benefits Health and Dental plan. Participants in the plan were to have received the attached document after April 30, 2020.
Discounts will be applied to May and June premiums (as a retroactive credit for April and May 2020). What remains to be determined, is if these discounts will continue beyond May. Potential discounts going forward will be evaluated by Prolink Insurance and will be based upon future distancing regulations imposed across the country. Prolink Insurance will continue to monitor the situation closely and will communicate with CDAA as necessary.
If you have specific questions about the benefits, please contact Prolink’s Life and Benefits Team.
Beware COVID-19 scams:
As COVID-19 continues to spread globally, protect yourself and beware of associated scams. Fraudsters want to profit from consumers’ fears, uncertainties and misinformation. Turn to trusted resources and advice for health, financial and security resources.
Full details can be found here: https://antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca/features-vedette/2020/covid-19-eng.htm
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Friday, May 8, 2020
On March 17, 2020 the New Brunswick Dental Society (NBDS) issued a strong recommendation to its members and the public that dentistry was restricted to emergency care.
On March 19, 2020, the Province of New Brunswick issued a mandatory order restricting dentistry to emergency and essential services only.
As of 2:30 pm today, the Province of New Brunswick confirmed that upon confirmation of an Operational Plan, that dentistry will no longer be restricted to emergencies. The NBDS has developed an operational plan that complements the provincial plan, and which must be adhered to by its members.
“The NBDS Operational Plan is our new standard of practice and must be implemented in each clinic prior to any return to practice” says Dr Joy Carmichael, President of the NBDS. “We will be placing a strong emphasis in the early stages, on physical distancing and on the importance of dealing with the backlog of patients who have been unable to receive full dental care in the past seven weeks.”, says Dr Carmichael.
Members will need to prepare for a return to work and comply with this new operating plan and for this reason dental offices will not be open until Wednesday May 13, 2020.
Today’s announcement is good news for our province and for dental patients.
Paul Blanchard
Executive Director
New Brunswick Dental Society
506-452-8575
The Chief Dental Officer of Canada has shared the following information with Canada’s national oral health organizations.
This rapid review of international sources on the Recommendations for the Re-opening of Dental Services in light of the COVID-19 Pandemic collates and summarises recommendations from the various international sources identified within five themes relevant to the re-opening of dental services: 1. practice preparation,
2. personal protective equipment,
3. management of the clinical area,
4. dental procedures, and
5. cleaning and disinfection.
The review is not guidance. Given that the world has only really known about COVID-19 for about 120 days, robust evidence is scarce. However, this review is intended to assist policy and decision-makers in producing national guidance for their own settings.
Canada’s CDO is a contributor.
An interesting read that may provide useful information for any discussions you may have with regulators/governments in your respective jurisdictions, as provinces begin to ease restrictions.
Please follow this link: https://oralhealth.cochrane.org/news/recommendations-re-opening-dental-services-rapid-review-international-sources
Then, click at: Read the rapid review here.
I have been advised that there will be regular updates to this review, so I invite you to check this link going forward.
This article from CBC includes some good information for workers who will be returning to work as provinces begin to ease restrictions.
The lawyer quoted in the CBC article also has some important information/FAQs on his firm’s website that may also be of interest to your members.
Please see a roll-up of open-sourced studies/articles related to “Ambient Air Filtration for Viruses in Dental Spaces” as pulled together from the University of Manitoba’s MHIKNET - Neil John Maclean Health Sciences Library. This was originally posted to the NBDAA’s website, but once I became aware of this, I thought it may be of interest to DAs across Canada as well.
Also, below is a link from the University of Toronto with links to studies and publications that may also be of interest to your members.
Scholarly Resources on COVID-19 for Dental Practitioners and Researchers
CDAA has rolled up a listing of the most recent updated guidelines that have been published from around the country regarding the easement of restrictions in response to COVID-19
New Brunswick
COVID-19 Guidance for Primary Care Providers in a Community Setting – April 29, 2020: https://www2.gnb.ca/content/dam/gnb/Departments/h-s/pdf/PrimaryCareProvidersCommunitySetting.pdf
Government of NB Phased Re-opening Plan: https://www2.gnb.ca/content/dam/gnb/Departments/eco-bce/Promo/covid-19/phphases-e.pdf
*note: as of May 3, 2020 NB has entered its 3rd week with no new COVID-19 cases and all positive cases have recovered.
Earlier today Health Canada updated their website with an interim order listing medical devices authorized for use against COVID-19.
Please note that Health Canada is updating this page frequently Monday-Friday.
A rapid qualitative evidence synthesis that may be of interest to members, which was just published last week to inform on the COVID-19 pandemic.
Barriers and facilitators to healthcare workers’ adherence with infection prevention and control (IPC) guidelines for respiratory infectious diseases: a rapid qualitative evidence synthesis.
Houghton C, Meskell P, Delaney H, Smalle M, Glenton C, Booth A, Chan XHS, Devane D, Biesty LM.
Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2020, Issue 4. Art. No.: CD013582. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD013582.
Statistics Canada has launched an online survey with the purpose of providing early insight into the educational, employment and financial impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on postsecondary students. This may be of interest to your student members. In the survey, which will take approximately 5 minutes to complete, students will be asked about concerns regarding their academic future, and the financial strain of paying for tuition, rent and other expenses as a result of the pandemic. This information will be used by governments and other organizations to evaluate the need for services and assistance programs to support postsecondary students during and after the pandemic.
Please share broadly. Deadline to respond to the survey is May 1, 2020.
The Chief Public Health Officer of Canada, Dr. Theresa Tam, has put out an urgent request for volunteers to assist with the COVID-19 pandemic:
There is an urgent need for people to help augment capacity at provincial and territorial levels for surveillance and monitoring of COVID-19 cases. More specifically, they need assistance in detailed case reporting/analysis and contact tracing to help to quickly identify cases and break chains of transmission by isolating and monitoring close contacts.
Anyone interested in contributing to the COVID-19 response should complete the following Government of Canada online application form at https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/2019-novel-coronavirus-infection/health-professionals.html?topic=tilelink
If you have questions, please contact hc.covidvolunteer-benevolecovid.sa@canada.ca directly.
In response to the COVID-19 health crisis, insurance providers across Canada are offering a suite of relief measures to their clients who have been impacted. In particular, for those clients whose driving habits have changed significantly, companies are offering reductions in auto insurance premiums to reflect this reduced risk as people work from home or have experienced a work stoppage. As well, for those who are facing financial hardship, insurance premiums may be deferred. It is recommended that individuals contact their insurance representative to determine what consumer relief measures are available to them.
Below are the relief measures offered by the major insurance providers across Canada in relation to COVID-19:
TD Insurance - https://www.tdinsurance.com/covid-19/
The Personal/La Personnelle - https://www.thepersonal.com/covid-19-en
The Co-Operators - https://www.cooperators.ca/
Intact Insurance - https://www.intact.ca/on/en/covid19.html
National Bank - https://www.nbc-insurance.ca/notice.html
Members who wish to apply for relief measures, please contact the insurance provider directly for an assessment.
The Bill to enact the response to COVID-19 received Royal Assent and is now law. Given the income loss many of your members are experiencing due to COVID-19, it is important that they receive information on what benefits are available to support them during this difficult time.
Among many supports for Canadians, the new Act provides new benefits for workers, now referred to as the Canada Emergency Response Benefit or CERB.
Specifically, these are the parameters of the new benefit:
Will provide a taxable benefit of $2,000 a month for up to 4 months to:
- workers who must stop working due to COVID19 and do not have access to paid leave or other income support.
- workers who are sick, quarantined, or taking care of someone who is sick with COVID-19.
- working parents who must stay home without pay to care for children that are sick or need additional care because of school and daycare closures.
- workers who still have their employment but are not being paid because there is currently not sufficient work and their employer has asked them not to come to work.
- wage earners and self-employed individuals, including contract workers, who would not otherwise be eligible for Employment Insurance.
The Canada Emergency Response Benefit will be accessible through a secure web portal starting in early April. Applicants will also be able to apply via an automated telephone line or via a toll-free number.
Ambient Air Filtration for Viruses in Dental Spaces see the following link
See the following link on "Masks during aerosol generating dental procedures: Clinical effectiveness and guidelines" https://web.membernova.com/305530/Documents/en-ca/2bff863d-5d25-4dcb-a38c-b29e2827d531/1/
Canadian Mental Health Association:
https://cmha.ca/news/covid-19-and-mental-health Assistance with how to respond to employee anxiety about the pandemic; how to navigate pandemic-related anxiety;
resources and contact information for your local mental health association:
https://cmha.ca/find-your-cmha
Resources from the Conference Board of Canada:
https://www.conferenceboard.ca/insights/blogs/insulating-for-isolation-a-mental-healthchecklist-
for-getting-through-quarantine Mental Health Check List for Quarantine (from Conference Board of Canada)
for-getting-through-quarantine Mental Health Check List for Quarantine (from Conference Board of Canada)
https://www.conferenceboard.ca/insights/covid-19 FREE Videos providing information on mental health and COVID-19
Centre for Addition and Mental Health:
http://www.camh.ca/en/health-info/mental-health-and-covid-19 Resources and guidance to help manage anxiety and stress, stigma and prejudice during a pandemic and quarantine
https://www.camh.ca/-/media/files/camh_covid19_infosheet-talking_to_kidspdf.
pdf?la=en&hash=59AC3799BC481EC9238ECD9044A98B40C5CEA253 Impacts to children and how to speak to them during social distancing
See message from NBDS at the following link https://mailchi.mp/5375c418dd34/covid-19-update-mise-jour-sur-le-covid-19?e=b053399416
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Covid-19 information from CDAA at the following link https://web.membernova.com/305530/Documents/en-ca/cd5d440a-cc0a-4a66-ad39-a7426ac571db/1/
Covid-19 information from NBDHA at the following link https://content.membernova.com/305530/Document/Download?DocumentType=AccountDocuments&DocumentId=10db9347-cd53-4f57-8ebd-495d7c5f3bb2&SelectedId=831d9b2e-2a89-4512-b0e6-68381bbc43cc
In recognition of the dental assistants recognition week, 5 members from each local and 5 members provincially will receive a $25 gift.
NBDAA
Lauren Ryan, Christine Jardine, Ashley Coughlin, Isabelle Bérubé, Mélissa St-Amand
Moncton local
Joleigh Dutcher, Janette Matheson, Lana Harrison, Justine Young, Jessica O'Donnell
Fredericton local
Hanna Player, Holly Perley, Erika Yeomans, Rachel Beaver, Elizabeth O'Donnell
Saint John local
Suzanne Caines, Tammy Norrad, Elisha Weaver, Tara Davenport, Florinda Smyrl
North Shore local
Nadine Levesque, Véronique O'Brien, Catherine Sealy, Tobi Trask, Wendy Sullivan
Upper Saint-John River Valley
Amy Lapointe, Melissa Watson, Véronik Haché-Lanteigne, Noémie Sirois, Caroline Duguay
Congratulations to the winners and have a great week!
The Occupational Health Clinics for Ontario Workers (OHCOW), is please to bring you the 21st Anniversary of the International Repetitive Injury Awareness Day Webinar. For 21 years we have worked to increase the awareness and prevention work-related injuries and illnesses. This year we are partnering with the OHCOW Sudbury’s Local Advisory Committee to bring you a full day event. This year’s theme is “What is a Worker’s Life Worth?” Please join us for this free event. Space in the audience is limited to 100 people while online it is limitless. The link to the agenda and registration is below. Deadline for registration is February 25, 2020.
Friday February 28th, 2020
8:30am - 3:00pm
8:30am - 3:00pm
Trevor Schell BSc MSc CCPE
Ergonomist
Occupational Health Clinics for Ontario Workers Inc.
84 Cedar Street, Second Floor
Sudbury, ON P3E 1A5
Tel: (705) 523-2330
Fax: (705) 523-2606
TollFree : 1-877-817-0336 x2431
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We want to challenge all dental assistants to use the words "I'm a certified dental assistant" instead of "I'm just a dental assistant". Proudly be the professional, certified dental assistant that you are.
On February 1, 2019, the malpractice insurance increased by $1.00 per member. NBDAA will continue to pay this increase for its members. All regular members have the malpractice insurance with their membership with a coverage of $2,000,000.
NBDAA 2020 Membership renewals with CE points are due on or before OCTOBER 1, 2019
NBDS License renewals are due on or before
OCTOBER 31, 2019
THE FIRST AID/CPR COURSE IS WORTH A MAXIMUM OF 6 CONTINUING EDUCATION POINTS PER YEAR, REGARDLESS OF THE AMOUNT OF HOURS OF THE COURSE.
Members may request, at no cost, from Bernice, a paper format of this book to be mailed to you to keep in your office. Click on the photo below to be linked to the entire document.
6. (b) Fees for the renewal of registration of Certified Level II dental assistants must be received at the office of the Registrar on or before October 31st and if any Certified Level II dental assistant fails to pay any required fees, the Registrar shall forthwith remove his name from the Certified Level II dental assistants register. (June 2019)
(c) The license fees required to be paid to the Society by Certified Level II dental assistants shall be established from time to time by the membership at the annual or special meeting by resolution by the Board. (June 2019)
As an aid to clients who may be experiencing financial difficulties, your Membership Association in conjunction with Allan Marshall & Associates, have arranged for a free fast track consultation for any members seeking advice regarding their debt or other financial matters. Visit their website at https://wecanhelp.ca/freeconsultation/membership-association-clients/
Mr. Dan Leger has proposed another change to Dental Assistants in regards to licensing timing. A recommendation has been made to the New Brunswick Dental Society Board of Directors that: Licensing and Association membership renewal for Dental Assistants be harmonized annually in the month of October. FOR OCTOBER 2019 ONLY there will be a 17% discount on the fee because of the earlier renewal date. We can have a discussion around this during our business meeting at the AGM. Bernice and I will do our best to answer any questions you may have.
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