I will be taking a leave for a year; what is the process regarding my registration?
When you are on leave, you can change your status to Inactive. Changes to your registration status from General or Specialty to Inactive can only be made during the online renewal period in November/December each year.
I have completed my leave and would like to return to practise dental hygiene. How can I change my registration status back from Inactive to General or Specialty?
If your registration status is Inactive for the current year and you would like to return to practise, you should complete the Application to Change Registration Status on the
Self-Service Portal on the CDHO website. You will be asked to provide your current professional liability insurance information. If it has been more than three (3) years since the date you last practised dental hygiene, you will also need to submit proof of completion of an approved refresher course.
I am moving to another province or jurisdiction in Canada. Do I have to change my status to Inactive or resign my certificate of registration?
You can choose to renew your certificate of registration to your current status, change it to Inactive or resign. This can be done online on the
Self-Service Portal area of the CDHO website. If you plan to practise in a jurisdiction outside Ontario for a short period of time, changing your status to Inactive may be a suitable alternative. You will be required to maintain your portfolio, renew your certificate of registration each year, and update your contact information. This option will allow you to reinstate to General/Specialty status.
Resigning your certificate of registration would be an option if you are not planning to practise in Ontario for a number of years. To return to practise in Ontario you would reapply as a past registrant of the CDHO and comply with registration requirements that are in place at the time.
I need a Certificate of Professional Conduct to be sent to a regulatory body outside of Ontario.
You can find a
Certificate of Professional Conduct on the CDHO website. The request can be submitted.by email
registration@cdho.org,by fax at 416-961-6028, or by mail. Please include your full name and contact information, CDHO registration number and the contact information for where the document is to be sent. The cost is $15. The letter will be sent directly to the regulatory body and a copy will be sent to you for your records. Please allow five (5) to ten (10) business days for processing.
I need a Letter of Standing to be sent to an educational institution outside of Ontario.
You can request a Letter of Standing from the CDHO by email at
registration@cdho.org, by fax at 416 961 6028, or by mail. Be sure to include your full name and contact information, CDHO registration number and include the contact information for where the document is to be sent. The letter will be sent directly to the educational institution and a copy will be sent to you for your records. Please allow five (5) to ten (10) business days for processing.
I have not practised dental hygiene in a recognized jurisdiction for over three (3) years. Where can I find more information about refresher courses?
If you have not practised dental hygiene in a recognized jurisdiction for over three (3) years, you will need to submit proof of completion of an approved refresher course before you are able to return to practise in Ontario. A list of approved course providers can be obtained from the College by contacting
registration@cdho.org.
I have decided that I no longer want to be a registrant of the College. Do I need to do anything?
Yes. You need to formally resign online. If you do not resign, your certificate of registration will be suspended and this will be reflected on the public register permanently.
How do I resign from the College?
Complete and submit the Resignation form on the
Self-Service Portal on the CDHO website.
You will be notified once your resignation has been processed.
What happens if I fail to notify the College that I am resigning?
If you fail to renew or to formally resign on or before January 1st, your certificate of registration will be suspended for non-payment of fees as required by the legislation (O. Reg.36/12, Section 39 [3]). Certificates of registration are automatically revoked two (2) years after being suspended. The public register will permanently indicate that your certificate of registration is “suspended” or “revoked” and this information will also be published in the College publication, Milestones (Section 23[2]9 of the Health Professionals Procedural Code).
What if I am currently under investigation and want to resign?
If you are currently under investigation and wish to resign your certificate of registration, you will need to send an email to
complaints@cdho.org.
I am retired but want to retain my registration. Is this possible?
If you are considering resigning/retiring from the CDHO, you may choose to continue to hold an Inactive certificate of registration. This category of registration does not permit you to practise dental hygiene in Ontario, but you would continue to receive the CDHO communications. Please be advised that Inactive registrants are required to maintain a Professional Portfolio and keep us up to date of their contact information while holding an Inactive certificate of registration.
What should be done in case of the death of a dental hygienist?
Please send a copy of the death certificate to allow us to update our records accordingly. Notice of the registrant’s death will be posted under the Registrants Update section in the next issue of Milestones, the CDHO newsletter.
What are the estate’s responsibilities regarding safeguarding of client information after the death of a registrant?
If the dental hygienist was employed by someone else, it is likely the employer is the “Custodian” of the client information and is therefore responsible for safeguarding it. If the dental hygienist was not an employee and is the “Custodian” of the client records, there may be an agreement in place with an associate or colleague who will assume responsibility for client files. In other cases, if there is a partnership or if a practice is incorporated, responsibility for the records may continue with the partnership or corporation. Where no one else has responsibility for the client information, under the Personal Health Information Protection Act (subsection 3(12)), the estate assumes responsibility for maintaining and safeguarding the client records for the required period.
You may wish to contact the office of Information and Privacy Commissioner for Ontario for additional information at
info@ipc.on.ca Tel: 1-800-387-0073 or fax: 416-325-9195.