The Provincial Dental Board of Nova Scotia was established on May 19, 1891 by government for the protection of the public. Government legislation created the Provincial Dental Board granting the Board the power to regulate the study of dentistry, to conduct final examinations, to examine degrees and credentials of dentists wishing to practice, to register and license dentists, to maintain the Dental Register, and to uphold the regulations.

Today, the Provincial Dental Board is the regulatory body for the professions of dentistry and dental assisting to serve the public’s interest. The Dental Act (1992) and regulations pursuant to the Act allows the self-regulation of these professions. The Provincial Dental Board sets the requirements for registration and licensure of dentists and dental assistants, maintains Registers for dentists and dental assistants, addresses complaints through its discipline regulations, develops policy and standards for safe dental practice, and undertakes quality assurance of licensees through mandatory continuing dental education and dental practice review.

The Provincial Dental Board recognizes that it must uphold the foundation upon which the public’s trust has been built using a sound strategic plan to navigate the growing complexity of health regulation in Nova Scotia.