What is Accreditation?
Accreditation in is the formal evaluation of an educational program, institution, or system against defined standards by an external body (in this case, CDAC) for the purposes of quality assurance and continuous enhancement. Trained external peer reviewers evaluate the compliance of oral health educational programs and services against pre-established performance standards. This evaluation supports the interests of diverse parties, including the public.
To support this process, CDAC brings together organisations representing oral health care professionals, educators, regulators, and examining and credentialing bodies. These organisations have common objectives of helping new graduates prepare to enter their professions and meet expectations for licensure and continuing safe practice.
CDAC’s review process for educational programs and dental services includes structured survey visits following the programs’ self-evaluation. These processes involve collecting detailed information in a specified format in accordance with internationally accepted processes and procedures. Programs and services meeting or exceeding CDAC’s accreditation standards are granted accredited status. Once a program receives accreditation, its ongoing accredited status is subject to annual reporting and is reviewed by CDAC on a pre-determined cycle.
CDAC is a member of the Association of Accrediting Agencies of Canada (AAAC).
Our Purpose
Our Leadership
Dawn Wilson, CEO
Dawn is a senior and seasoned leadership and management professional with broad experience in the private and not-for-profit sectors. Prior to joining CDAC Dawn was the CEO for Speech-Language & Audiology Canada. She has prior experience with the Canadian Association of General Surgeons, Colon and Rectal Surgeons and Canadian Hernia Society as well as other national organizations which include the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada.
She is well-known as a hard worker who is an active listener and thoughtful leader. She has an excellent track record of achievement and success that has allowed her to consistently coordinate successful and innovative multi-organization strategies across Canada. These efforts, to name a few, have included merging National and Provincial associations; securing significant sponsorship and grant funding; launching and administering a National entry to practice exam; and establishing manufacturing standards.
Dawn is originally from Scotland, where she trained as a nurse. Today, she lives in Ottawa with her husband, two teenage sons, and dog. Fitness is Dawn’s key to accessing strong physical and mental health. Dawn is a Certified Association Executive.
Our history
