ACFD PRINCIPLES DOCUMENT REGARDING THE CDAC

March 11, 2003

COMMISSION ON DENTAL ACCREDITATION OF CANADA

On behalf of the Association of Canadian Faculties of Dentistry we want to provide the following input concerning the future of the Commission:

1. The ACFD Executive Committee discussed the matter during its March meeting in San Antonio, Texas.
   
2. The ACFD Deans Committee discussed the matter during its March meeting in San Antonio, Texas.

Both groups decided to provide input to the matter in the form of certain principles, which the groups feel would contribute to the discussion. These principles should guide the function of the Commission in order to preserve the high standard required of an Accreditation body. It is our responsibility as academic institutions to pursue the highest standard of Accreditation to ensure and maintain the quality and acceptability of our qualifications. We firmly believe that creating a situation of mutual “trust” amongst the stakeholders is pre-eminent to discuss and to finally decide on a workable and acceptable model for the Commission. Preservation of the principles must take precedence over where the Commission ultimately resides.
Principles:

The Commission:

1. Should be an independent, stand-alone body, functioning as a separate legal entity and accountable to its members/stakeholders for its actions.
   
2. Must be transparent in its decision-making and financial administration.
   
3. Must be a multidisciplinary/multidimensional partnership of its members/stakeholders.
   
4. Must utilize an objective and criterion based assessment process.
   
5. Should be inclusive and non-restrictive rather than exclusive in serving the needs of all oral health disciplines.
   
6. Must be financially stable over the long-term.
   
7. Should be primarily financed by its members/stakeholders.
   
8. Must be financially accountable to its members/stakeholders.
   
9. Must preserve the present structure and function of the existing Commission, using objective peer assessment.
   
10. Must, with respect to its accreditation function, be protected from interference or undue influence from its members/stakeholders as well as other groups.
    
11. Must, if changes to its present structure should occur, exhibit a seamless transition, and ensure that all reciprocity agreements are maintained.
    
12. Must be confidential yet open in its process.
    

Recommendation:
That a meeting be organized by the Commission as soon as possible to discuss the future of the Commission. The meeting should be attended by representatives of the various stakeholder groups and facilitated by an independent consultant.