What is the Nova Scotia Dental Assistants' Association?

The Nova Scotia Dental Assistants' Association (NSDAA) is a provincial branch of the Canadian Dental Assistants' Association. This is an organization specifically established to represent Dental Assistants provincially and nationally and their chosen profession. It provides the opportunity to obtain continuing education points, it is an avenue for members to express their ideas and concerns, it is a way for members of the profession to interact with their peers, but most importantly it is there to represent the Dental Assistants in the province of Nova Scotia.

The NSDAA elects the President-Elect. The President, President-Elect and the Past President make up the executive. The Board of Directors is made up of the executive and the elected president of each affiliate. The NSDAA has representatives that are appointed and work on behalf of our members by attending meetings/functions. There are also several committees which deal with issues as necessary on behalf of the Association. These committees can be set up at both the provincial and affiliate level. It is through the Board, Representatives and Committees that we liaise with local, provincial and national bodies. Without the dedication of these members the NSDAA would not achieve its goals or be able to promote dental assisting as a profession to be proud of. The more participation the Association has at the local, provincial and national level the more it increases our ability to grow.

The NSDAA has six affiliate groups established throughout the province. The affiliates are: Cape Breton, Halifax County, Northern Nova, South Shore, Tri-County and Valley. Each affiliate has an elected President, President-Elect, Secretary and/or Treasurer to represent the concerns and ideas of DA's in their area. Dental Assistants are encouraged to attend their affiliate meetings and become active in their profession. The affiliates provide continuing education sessions, fund raising events, support local charities, promote Dental Assisting Recognition Week and strive to increase participation at the local level.

The Association has established a Job Registry to help members who are seeking employment. Our goal is to work directly with dentists/office managers and have them call us directly when they need to hire a Licenced Dental Assistant.

The NSDAA contracts an Executive Director . It is this individual's responsibility to look after the needs of our members and manage the functions required to run an organization. The hours and days of this position vary from year to year depending on the needs/funds of the organization. The NSDAA has an answering machine at all times. Please feel free to contact us at anytime and leave a message so we can address your concerns.

The NSDAA has an annual membership fee of $50.00 which is required in our office by November 30th of each year. Membership fees not received in office by November 30th from renewing members will be charged a late fee of 50% of dues for that year. MEMBERSHIP DUES ARE NON-REFUNDABLE. All dues are income tax deductible and membership to the NSDAA is one of the criteria necessary to obtain licensure from the Provincial Dental Board of Nova Scotia. The NSDAA forwards a list to the PDB by April 30th each year so they can cross reference for licensable members. This is why it is imperative that dues are paid to the NSDAA by the November 30th deadline. This ensures you have satisfied the criteria of being an NSDAA member and eliminates the possibility of having to pay reinstatement fees to the Provincial Dental Board.

In addition to the membership fee the NSDAA collects an additional $20.00 to be transferred to CDAA. Since May 31st, 1997 it is mandatory for all members of NSDAA to be members of the Canadian Dental Assistants' Association.

NSDAA
P.O. Box 9142, Station "A"
Halifax, Nova Scotia
B3K 5M8

Phone (902) 826-1922
Fax (902) 820-3015

E-mail: nsdaa@eastlink.ca

NSDAA is working closely with the Provincial Dental Board of Nova Scotia and the Canadian Dental Assistants' Association in the pursuit of excellence for the profession of dental assisting.