The Council of the College of Dental Hygienists of Ontario (CDHO) is the governing body of the College. CDHO’s governing Council is comprised of Ontario dental hygienists who have been elected by their peers, and public members who have been appointed by the provincial government. Council’s primary function, as per its founding legislation, is to make decisions in the public interest. Accordingly, the Council is responsible for establishing the policies, programs, and standards of practice that regulate the profession of dental hygiene.

All dental hygienists in Ontario are important contributors to self-regulation. By adhering to the College’s standards of practice in the daily practice environment and by meeting the requirements of the College’s Quality Assurance Program, dental hygienists support self-regulation. Participating in the election of Council members is another way that dental hygienists are involved in self-regulation.

Council decisions further the College’s mandate of regulating the practice of dental hygiene in the interest of the overall health and safety of the public of Ontario. By participating in the election, either as a candidate or through voting, you are influencing the future of dental hygiene practice and regulation in Ontario. By standing for election, registrants have the opportunity to join a committed group of dental hygienists and government-appointed public members on Council working together to safeguard the public interest and to uphold the standard of care that dental hygienists provide to their clients. Registrant participation rests at the heart of professional self-regulation and is essential for assuring that professional standards and all related activities respond to dental hygiene practice today.

As an elected member of Council, you will contribute to the self-regulation of the dental hygiene profession in Ontario in a host of meaningful ways.

You participate in decision-making regarding:

• standards of practice and professional conduct;
• competencies for entry to practice and ongoing practice;
• the development of new programs and policies and policies to guide the profession as well as relevant regulations and bylaws required under the legislation.

Members of Council also fulfill a critical role through their participation on statutory Committees, including the:

• Inquiries, Complaints and Reports Committee
• Discipline Committee
• Registration Committee
• Quality Assurance Committee
• Executive Committee
• Fitness to Practise Committee
• Patient Relations Committee

In addition, there are other specific expectations that potential candidates should be prepared to fulfill, which include:

• arranging their own personal and professional schedules to meet Council’s time commitments;
• reviewing preparatory materials in advance of meetings;
• participating in discussion and decision-making;
• maintaining confidentiality;
• implementing and supporting Council and Committee decisions and directives;
• demonstrating accountability to the public through effective decision-making in the public’s best interest.

It is important to note that registrants elected to Council do NOT represent the interests of the dental hygienists in their electoral district, but rather, make decisions that further the College’s mandate of regulating the practice of dental hygiene in the interest of the overall health and safety of the public of Ontario.

Many dental hygienists mistakenly believe that they must have an extensive knowledge of dental hygiene regulations, healthcare legislation and all the rules of the profession in order to serve on Council. This is not the case. While it is true that individuals serving on Council must be familiar with all the relevant legislation, policies and standards of the profession, this knowledge can and will be enhanced while serving as a member of Council. All new Council members will receive a comprehensive orientation about their role, including all aspects of governance and related expectations. New members will also receive a resource manual containing all relevant documents for their reference.

By participating in the election, either as a candidate or through voting, every registrant has an opportunity to help shape the future of dental hygiene practice and self-regulation. There are many benefits associated with a registrant’s involvement with the College. Serving as an elected Council representative broadens a registrant’s professional scope by offering:

• an opportunity to shape policy and decisions made by the College in the public’s interest;
• an opportunity to be directly involved in self-regulation;
• a greater understanding of governance;
• an insight into the trends that influence professional practice.

While registrants find serving on Council both personally and professionally rewarding, it requires a significant time commitment. Council typically meets for two days at a time, four to six times per year. Dates are set well in advance to facilitate planning for members. Preparation time associated with Council meetings averages two to six hours for each meeting. This generally involves reviewing material in advance of meetings in order to contribute constructively to Council discussions and decision-making.

Council members must also serve on at least two statutory Committees. The time commitment varies significantly depending on which Committee(s) you serve. Some Committees may meet only twice per year, for one day at a time, while others will meet on a more frequent basis. Please click here for more information on each statutory Committee.

The College pays a per diem for participating on Council and Committees. Please click here for information regarding per diems and CDHO’s Remuneration Guidelines.

Registrants who are interested in running for election must consider whether they can commit the time to serve and may also wish to discuss the commitment with their employer (where applicable).

Members of Council serve a three-year term of office, unless otherwise established in accordance with CDHO's Bylaw No. 5, and are limited to three consecutive terms.

Detailed information regarding eligibility for election is available in CDHO’s Bylaw No. 5. To review the eligibility criteria click here.

Nominations for candidates must be submitted in writing using the nomination form supplied by the Registrar. Should you wish to run for election/academic selection, or nominate another eligible registrant, please click here to visit the CDHO Elections web page and download the complete nomination package. Candidates must read all information carefully and follow the instructions for the nomination procedures. Original nomination forms and supporting documentation must be complete and returned to the College no later than the specified date in order for the nomination to be considered.

Once the College receives your completed nomination form and supporting documentation, the College will correspond with you to confirm your eligibility to run for election. Not less than 14 days before the date of the election, a ballot package will be sent to every registrant eligible to vote in their respective electoral district. Ballot packages will include the biographical sketch and photographs of all eligible candidates running for election. Prospective candidates may not campaign for election until they have received written notification from the College that their nomination has been approved and meets the eligibility criteria.

For more information regarding the district elections, academic selection, eligibility to run/vote, nominations and terms of office, please refer to CDHO's Bylaw No. 5. Individuals may also contact the Office of the Registrar at 416-961-6234 ext. 223 or email registrar@cdho.org.

CDHO Elections and Academic Selection Timetable

On the CDHO website, if you go above the Registration tab, to the tab titled Find a Dental Hygienist, you will find a list here of the mentors approved by the CDHO.

If you are considering a non-traditional practice setting in your immediate future, it would be advisable to seek out a mentor who currently practises in that type of setting. For example, if you would like to practise in a long-term care facility, it would make good sense to mentor with someone who has hands-on experience in that type of practice setting. Your mentor should not be your employer.

A mentor with the CDHO Peer Mentorship Program is a registered dental hygienist who is practising clinically, who is in good standing with the College, has a minimum of 5 years clinical dental hygiene practice, has been authorized to self-initiate for a minimum of 2 years and has successfully completed the CDHO mentorship course and workshop.

The minimum mentor/mentee contact time is 24 hours of direct and indirect mentoring over the six-month period, averaging 4 contact hours per month. While face-to-face is preferred, it is possible to live in a different city. Modern technology allows for connections to be made via the telephone, teleconferences, Skype and email.

Mentors are volunteers and will not ask for a fee for mentoring you.

Once you have found a mentor, the two of you will create a contract. This contract will be submitted to the CDHO for approval. As long as the approved contract is in effect, you will have authorization to self-initiate.

The minimum time is 6 months. Once you have successfully completed this mentorship, your mentor will submit a declaration of confidence in your ability to self-initiate to the College.

Authorization with condition allows dental hygienists who have practised less than 3200 hours clinically to receive authorization on the provision that they work with a CDHO-approved mentor.

As registered dental hygienists, mentees are fully responsible for all client care decisions and interventions. Their treatment planning and clinical skills are already proven to be sound. Peer mentors are a resource to dental hygienists who have been authorized to self-initiate with the condition that they work with a peer mentor.

There is no need to observe mentees in practice. Mentorship can take place through telephone, email and Skype to name a few.

For clients whose medical history is clear, the CDHO encourages dental hygienists to take a blood pressure reading as part of their baseline assessment. If the client’s blood pressure is within the normal range, it may not be necessary to take that client’s blood pressure at every appointment. However, in the interest of being proactive, it would be prudent to periodically monitor the client’s blood pressure to ensure that there have been no significant changes since it is well known that hypertension can be asymptomatic.

Taking blood pressure is required for clients whose medical history indicates a need (i.e., clients with diagnosed hypertension, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, chronic kidney disease, and this list is not exhaustive). Treating a client with an elevated blood pressure can increase the client’s risk of experiencing a hypertensive crisis (where a severe increase in blood pressure can create an emergency) and possibly lead to a cerebrovascular accident (stroke) or myocardial infarction in the dental chair. If the presence of hypertension is suspected, the dental hygienist should make an appropriate referral to the client’s primary care provider and should proceed only after medical consultation with the primary care provider establishes that it is safe to do so.

All dental hygienists want to ensure that they are not putting their clients at risk while providing dental hygiene treatment. The monitoring of clients’ blood pressure is an important step that dental hygienists can take to ensure safe client care.

Dental hygienists may treat clients receiving nitrous oxide and oxygen, if certain conditions are met before initiating treatment. In Ontario, dental hygienists are not authorized to administer nitrous oxide and oxygen by inhalation (as this is a controlled act), or monitor clients receiving nitrous oxide and oxygen for conscious sedation as per the Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991 (RHPA).

Dental hygienists who wish to treat clients receiving nitrous oxide and oxygen must ensure that: 

• They obtain any informed consent required before the client is sedated. 
• Nitrous oxide and oxygen has been administered and is being monitored by an appropriately trained dentist who is a member of the Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO) or an appropriately trained registered nurse or respiratory therapist under the order of a member of the RCDSO.
• The individual who is monitoring the client must be present in the treatment room/operatory at all times and the dental hygienist is never left alone with the client while the client is receiving nitrous oxide and oxygen.
• If a registered nurse or respiratory therapist is administering or monitoring the nitrous oxide and oxygen delivery, the dentist does not need to be in the operatory but must still be present in the office suite and immediately available for emergency.
• Clients must be monitored by the appropriate professional described above by direct and continuous clinical observation for level of conscious sedation and assessment of vital signs.

​​In the case where any of the above criteria is not met, dental hygienists must refuse to provide dental hygiene services to clients who are receiving nitrous oxide and oxygen conscious sedation.

The need for antibiotic prophylaxis for the prevention of infective endocarditis and hematogenous joint infection should be considered on an individual basis in conjunction with the health care provider most familiar with the client’s specific condition. Treatment decisions should be made in light of all circumstances presented by the client. Treatments and procedures applicable to the individual client rely on mutual communication between client, dental hygienist, physician, dentist, and other health care practitioners. The dental hygienist is ultimately responsible for making the decision whether or not to proceed with dental hygiene services.

The CDHO has no written protocol for use of lasers. This is because the laser is not controlled under our health legislation. It is what is done with the laser that becomes important. So a dental hygienist can use any laser within scope in Ontario as long as they do not enter into a procedure (act) that is not authorized to them. For example, they could not use the laser for gingival recontouring. They can use it for dental hygiene procedures such as debridement, sanitizing pockets, whitening, treating aphthous ulcers and cold sores.

As with any intervention, dental hygienists must ensure that the treatment is evidence based and must ensure their competency before performing the intervention. Competency in using the laser because of its wide capabilities should be gained through participation in a formal course/training that has a hands-on component. 

The CDHO Standards of Practice state that a dental hygienist shows competence when providing dental hygiene services and programs by maintaining certification in CPR and basic first aid.

Each dental hygienist involved in clinical practice must hold current a CPR certificate at the basic life support level, which includes training in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) at the basic support level, including one-rescuer and two-rescuer CPR for adults, children, and infants; the relief of foreign body airway obstructions for adults, children, and infants; the use of an automatic external defibrillator (AED); and the use of ambu-bags resulting in certification or recertification by the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada, the Canadian Red Cross or an entity with equivalent requirements. All CPR certification or recertification courses must include a hands-on component. Online CPR courses are not acceptable by the College.

The College requires that dental hygienists be competent should they have to administer first aid in an emergency situation. While taking a stand-alone first aid course may be necessary for some to obtain competence in first aid, the College is aware that many CPR courses cover many components of first aid, and as such, do not require registrants to have a separate first aid certificate. The dental hygienists’ self-assessment of their first aid competency determines whether or not they should take additional first aid training. Maintaining a current valid CPR certificate on the other hand, is mandatory and the College may request to see the CPR certificate.

The Healing Arts Radiation Protection (HARP) Act, and the X-ray Safety Code (Regulation 543) cover the use of x-rays for the irradiation of human beings in the province of Ontario. These regulations govern radiographic equipment, their operation, and the qualifications of individuals operating them. Section 5(2) of the HARP Act lists members of the College of Dental Hygienists of Ontario (CDHO) as persons deemed to meet the qualifications prescribed by the regulations. This means that even though dental hygienists complete radiography training in a dental hygiene program, they are not considered HARP certified until they are registered with the CDHO. The HARP Act does not approve or certify dental hygiene radiography programs. Only the CDHO has the authority to grant HARP certification to dental hygienists in Ontario. Dental hygienists who currently hold a general or specialty certificate of registration are deemed to be HARP certified. Those who have resigned, are suspended or revoked from the College are not considered HARP certified.

The Act also states that an inspector may enter and inspect the premises and require the production of proof that any person who operates an x-ray machine meets the qualifications and requirements. A ministry inspector will accept a dental hygienist’s certificate of registration (or CDHO wallet card) as proof that they meet the requirements.

A dosimeter is a device used to measure an accumulative amount of ionizing radiation the wearer has been exposed to. In Health Canada’s Radiation Protection in Dentistry: Recommended Safety Procedures for the Use of Dental X-Ray Equipment (Safety Code 30), it is very strongly recommended that all operators of dental x-ray equipment wear personnel dosimeters. However, in Ontario, the HARP Act does not require this, and the use of dosimeters while advised is not mandatory.

The College of Dental Hygienists of Ontario (CDHO) does not consider the taking of an impression (for any reason ‒ e.g., whitening trays, mouth guards, permanent crowns, orthodontic appliances, etc.) as a controlled act. Therefore, all dental hygienists can take impressions if they are competent. 

Yes. If you are registered with this College you must participate in the program. This includes those who maintain a general, specialty or inactive certificate of registration. Registrants from all classes of registration are included in the selection for the Peer Review.

No. All registrants must comply with the Quality Assurance Program without exception.

The Quality Assurance Committee has determined that participation in the QA assessment each year will be determined by a random selection based on the last digit of your six-digit registration ID number. Each year, two numbers will be randomly drawn. All registrants whose ID ends in either of those numbers will be required to participate in the program. The following year, two different groups will be randomly selected. No registrant will be selected for a second time until all registrants have had the opportunity to participate.

General notification of the selected numbers will occur via the E-Brief. Confirmation to each individual registrant will be sent by e-mail or regular mail (depending upon the preference you have indicated during your renewal) by the end of January. Your selection status will also be posted to your online profile at this time.

For the 2019 selection, all registrants whose registration number ends in either “2” or “6” (i.e. *****2 or *****6) will be required to submit their quality assurance information by January 31, 2019.

Exceptions:

• Registrants who submitted their professional portfolio in 2015, 2016, 2017 or who participated in the 2018 peer review will not be required to submit their information.
• Registrants who registered on or after July 1^st, three calendar years prior to the year of the selection. For example, for the 2019 selection, those who registered on or after July 1, 2016, were exempted from the selection.

Yes. From 2015 onward, all registrants are required to use the SMILE Portal to participate in the College’s Quality Assurance Program. Other portfolio managers and the old portfolio forms will no longer be accepted.

You will have to assess what a typical day is for you and record your answers accordingly. What services do you typically provide? What is your role in your client's process of care? What infection control protocols do you ensure for all clients? What are you recording in your client record?

The Committee accepts a wide range of learning activities such as seminars, journal reading, video tapes, professional activities/research, etc. There is the expectation that all learning will be based on current dental hygiene research and theory, and will be relevant to your dental hygiene practice. This will need to be documented and demonstrated in your professional portfolio. You must show the Committee that you are remaining competent through continuous learning that relates to your practice. For more information on acceptable activities, please review the Requirements of the Quality Assurance Program and Guidelines for Continuing Competency.

Your assessor will call you if s/he needs more information or clarification of your practice profile. This will give you the opportunity to add information that the Quality Assurance Committee will be looking for when they review your submission.

No. The Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991, has provisions to ensure that an assessor has access to your place of practice and your client records. The assessor is only evaluating your dental hygiene practice and not that of the dentist or other within the practice.

The results of your assessment will be kept confidential and will be mailed directly to you.

Written requests for extensions are considered by the Quality Assurance Committee for extenuating circumstances such as current hospitalization, critical illness, bereavement of an immediate family member, or onerous personal hardship.

The request must be received prior to the submission deadline and must include your name and registration number, and any general information/reasons that may be pertinent and supportive of the request and would assist the Committee in making a decision. You should also make an indication of the amount of time being requested and include any supporting documentation such as a medical certificate, note or letter. All requests for extensions are reviewed by the Quality Assurance Committee and granted based on individual extenuating circumstances. Requests for exemptions are not considered.

What are the requirements to register as a dental hygienist in Ontario? 

Detailed application information is available in the following Guides.

• Guide for Graduates of Accredited Dental Hygiene Programs (in Canada and the US)
• Guide for Graduates of Non-Accredited Dental Hygiene Programs (including International Programs)
• Guide for Registrants/Licensees of Another Dental Hygiene Regulatory Body in Canada Applying Under the Canadian Free Trade Agreement (CFTA)
• Guide for Applicants Who Have Previously Been Registered as a Dental Hygienist in Ontario

*Please Note:  As of March 26, 2015 graduates of non-accredited programs must have the program assessed by the National Dental Hygiene Certification Board (NDHCB) to determine if they are eligible to sit the NDHCB’s examination. [O. Reg 36/12 Section 31 (2)].

How can I find out if my dental hygiene program was accredited?
Contact the Commission on Dental Accreditation of Canada or the American Dental Association Commission on Dental Accreditation for a list of accredited institutions.

My dental hygiene program was accredited by the American Dental Association Commission on Dental Accreditation. Which guide should I download?
Guide for Graduates of Accredited Dental Hygiene Programs (in Canada and the US)

I did not train as a dental hygienist in Canada or the US.  Which guide should I download?
Guide for Graduates of Non-Accredited Dental Hygiene Programs (including International Programs)

I graduated from a non-accredited dental hygiene program; what must I do to be registered?
Applicants who graduated from a non-accredited program prior to March 26, 2015 must have the program assessed by the Registration Committee of the CDHO. Programs are required to be substantially equivalent to an accredited program.

Applicants who graduated after March 26, 2015 from a non-accredited program must apply to have their program of study assessed by the National Dental Hygiene Certification Board (NDHCB) to determine whether they are eligible to sit the NDHCB’s examination. Information relating to the NDHCB application process and deadlines can be found at www.ndhcb.ca.

Graduates of non-accredited programs must also successfully complete the CDHO’s clinical competency evaluation following the NDHCB examination. 

How do I know if my program meets the current educational requirements of the CDHO?
Programs that are accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of Canada, or in the US by the Commission on Dental Accreditation, meet the current requirements of the CDHO. Other programs must be assessed by either the Registration Committee of the CDHO if the program is completed prior to March 26, 2015, or by the National Dental Hygiene Certification Board if the program is completed after March 26, 2015. Assessments are only conducted following completion of the program.

The CDHO encourages potential applicants to obtain information from the educational institute prior to embarking on a course of study.

For information on the accreditation process, please visit the website of the Commission on Dental Accreditation of Canada.

Can I hand deliver my registration papers to the office?
Yes, once the application form is completed, the application for registration and supporting documentation can be hand delivered or sent by mail. The CDHO office is generally open Monday through Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., excluding holidays. Please call ahead to confirm that someone will be available to receive your application.

Can I send in photocopies of the required documents?
Certain documents require notarization as indicated on the application form and checklist. Please take them to a lawyer, notary or Commissioner of Oaths of your choice to have them signed and sealed. Alternatively, you may bring the original documents to the CDHO in person where they will be authenticated.

Photographs
Do I need to attach a photograph to the application form?

A passport type photograph, taken not more than six (6) months before the application, must be pasted (not stapled or taped) in the space indicated on the application “Form A”. Photographs printed on paper will not be accepted.

Proof of Employment Eligibility
I would like to submit my passport as proof of employment eligibility, but it has expired. Will this be accepted?
No. When submitting a notarized copy of your Canadian Passport, please ensure the document is valid, i.e. the date has not expired.

Submitting Application Documents
The College I graduated from is now closed. How can I obtain a copy of my transcript? 
Contact the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities' Private Career Colleges Branch to find out how to obtain a copy of your transcript. Email address: pcc@ontario.ca

Can I submit my “Form C” and transcript to the CDHO directly?
The Form C and transcript must be sent directly from the educational institution. The CDHO does not accept copies from the applicant. 

Can I submit my “Form B” to the CDHO directly?
Form B must be sent directly from the regulatory body. The CDHO does not accept a copy from the applicant.

Where can I find contact information and information on the examination fees for the NDHCB?
The National Dental Hygiene Certification Board can be contacted at:
     1929 Russell Rd, Suite 322
     Ottawa ON  K1G 4G3
     Tel: 1-613-260-8156 Fax: 1-613-260-8511
     www.ndhcb.ca

Please click here for information on the NDHCB examination fees and application process. 

I currently hold an Inactive Certificate of Registration, and want to practise dental hygiene. What do I need to do?
In order to practise dental hygiene, you must complete the Application to Change Registration Status from Inactive to General/Specialty on the Self-Service Portal on the CDHO website, and submit the form and payment. Once your application has been processed you will be notified, at which time you will be eligible to practise.

How do I reinstate my certificate of registration if I have been suspended for not paying my fees?
Applicants who wish to reinstate their certificate of registration must complete one of the following applications available on the Self-Service Portal on the CDHO website:

• Application for Reinstatement – Inactive Certificate of Registration, or
• Application for Reinstatement – General/Specialty Certificate of Registration

Print and submit the complete signed form and appropriate payment. Once your application has been processed you will be notified, at which time you will be eligible to practise.

I want to apply for a Specialty Certificate of Registration to practise restorative dental hygiene. What do I need to do?
Applicants for a Specialty Certificate must be currently registered with the CDHO and must have completed a program in restorative dental hygiene offered at an accredited school or a program that is considered to be substantially equivalent. After completion of the program, applicants complete the Application for Specialty Certificate of Registration on the Self-Service Portal on the CDHO website and submit the form and payment. Once your application has been processed you will be notified, at which time you will be eligible to practise.

What is the estimated timeline for each stage of the application process?

*All timelines are approximate 

 

Where can I find out when the Examinations are being held?
For information on the National Dental Hygiene Certification Examination, check the National Dental Hygiene Certification Board website at www.ndhcb.ca or contact them at:
Tel: 1-613-260-8156 or Fax: 1-613-260-8511.

I am an internationally trained dentist and would like to know the requirements to become a dental hygienist in Canada.
A non-exemptible requirement for registration as a dental hygienist in Ontario is that an applicant must have graduated from a recognized, accredited dental hygiene program or one considered substantially equivalent by the Registration Committee of the CDHO. In Ontario, dental hygiene is considered a separate and distinct health profession from dentistry. Work experience is not considered a substitute for training in a supervised educational setting. Therefore, unless an applicant has successfully completed a program of study in dental hygiene in addition to her/his degree in dentistry, it is unlikely that the applicant's course of study would be considered equivalent to a recognized accredited dental hygiene program. Please refer to the information for Graduates of International  Programs “Applicants Who Graduated in Dentistry” and in the Career Map. Is there a language requirement for registration?

What do I have to do to change my name with the College?

What is the CDHO policy for retention and safeguarding registrant’s personal information?