Training Dental Professionals Today.
Excellence in Dental Training. Innovation in Delivery. Commitment to Community.
Western Dental Academy is a modern, community-focused facility dedicated to delivering high-quality dental training and strengthening the oral health workforce across Alberta. We provide accessible professional development for practicing dental professionals seeking to enhance their skills.
Our Mission
To deliver exceptional dental training that is flexible, relevant, and grounded in real-world practice.
That mission drives every pathway we create. Whether you are new to the field or a working professional seeking to enhance your skills, WDA is built to meet you where you are.
How We Do It
- Experienced professionals delivering engaging content
- Small course/workshop sizes for individual attention
- Engage with dental professionals from day one
- Deliver unique, relevant professional development opportunities.
Our Commitment
Accessible, High-Quality Training for Everyone
Built to close the gap.
We believe that geography, work schedules, and life circumstances should never limit a person's ability to pursue relevant Professional Development opportunities in the dental industry including online non-credit continuing education courses, hands-on clinical refreshers, unique workshops and guest speakers.
WDA is designed to support the entire dental team, including those in remote and rural communities and working professionals.
Photo Coming Soon
Est.
2026
The Founding Story
Built to Bridge the Gap Between Practice and Professional Growth
Western Dental Academy was founded by dental professionals who recognized the need to support learners beyond graduation, bridging the gap between education, real-world practice, and lifelong learning. Across the dental industry, opportunities for dental assistants to continue developing their clinical skills, expand their knowledge, and advance professionally can be limited, despite the profession constantly evolving with new technologies, techniques, and patient care standards.
The team at WDA identified a need for stronger pathways for ongoing growth and professional development. WDA was built on the belief that learning should not end when formal education is complete. Dental professionals deserve access to meaningful educational opportunities that help them stay current, build confidence, expand their skills, and continue advancing throughout their careers.
Today, that belief remains at the heart of WDA. By creating opportunities for continuous learning and skill enhancement, the Academy supports dental professionals in keeping pace with industry advancements and strengthening the practical expertise that modern dental practices rely on.
Beyond the Classroom
Learning That Extends to the Whole Community
01
Skills Enhancement & Professional Development
Western Dental Academy is a hub for lifelong learning. Skills refresher courses and professional development workshops help dental hygienists, dental assistants, dental healthcare professionals, and administrative professionals stay current with industry standards, new technologies, and evolving best practices.
02
Guest Speakers & Industry Expertise
We regularly host guest speakers, including dental specialists, industry innovators, and respected leaders in oral health, as well as other industry experts. These events give learners and professionals access to cutting-edge knowledge, emerging trends, and practical insights that enrich their understanding of the profession.
03
Community Outreach & Training
Western Dental Academy is committed to improving oral health literacy in the communities we serve. One of our goals is to plan community outreach sessions, school presentations, and create partnerships with local organizations; help individuals and families build the knowledge they need to maintain lifelong oral health. We want our outreach initiatives to support underserved and remote communities, reinforcing our belief that oral health training should be available to everyone.
Our Vision
To be a leader in accessible and relevant Professional Development.
Helping dental professionals maintain competence through unique professional development opportunities. WDA is committed to delivering training that strengthens Alberta's oral health workforce.
What We Stand For
Our Values
Excellence
In all our facility — we hold ourselves and our students to the highest standards of dental training and professional development.
Accessibility
Removing barriers to professional development opportunities — geography, schedules, and circumstances should never limit access to unique and relevant enhancement of knowledge.
Integrity
In all professional interactions — we are honest, transparent, and accountable in everything we deliver. Training instead of education guides our approach.
Community
Engagement and service — we invest in the communities we serve through outreach, oral health training, and partnerships that extend our impact beyond the classroom.
Innovation
In professional development design — we continuously engage with the oral health community to ensure our offerings reflect the latest advancements in dental practice.
The People Behind WDA
Meet the Team
Every WDA instructor is an active dental professional — not a retired clinician, not just a career academic.
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Course Development and Instructional Specialist
Tamara Parker
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Course Development and Instructional Specialist
Alana Welsh
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Course Development and Instructional Specialist
Collette Funk-Ross
Coming Soon
National Board
Guided Practice Workshop
WDA is developing structured guided practice workshops to support dental assisting certification preparation. Sign up for our newsletter to be notified when sessions are announced.
Industry Sponsors
Support Dental Professional Development in Alberta
Sponsor WDA and be recognized as a valued supporter of our community.
Contact Us to Get InvolvedGet Started
Professional Development
for Dental Professionals.
Find the right workshop, guest speaker event, or course for your career. Connect with our team — we'd love to help.