Overall Ends Policy

• All Ontarians have access to safe, high quality oral health services.

1. The College of Dental Hygienists of Ontario (CDHO) exists so that people who access dental hygienists in Ontario receive safe, ethical, quality dental hygiene services where the worth of results justifies expenditure of available resources.

1.1 Dental hygienists provide safe, effective care consistent with current standards of practice. 

1.1.1 Dental hygiene practice reflects the evolving needs of the public and supports access to care.

1.1.2 Registered dental hygienists actively participate in continuous quality improvement that aligns with the current scope of practice.

1.1.3 Registered dental hygienists demonstrate professional judgment in their practice.

1.1.4 Dental hygienists engage with their clients for optimal oral health outcomes and client-centered care.

1.2 Dental hygienists engage other professionals to achieve optimal health outcomes for Ontarians.

1.3 Decision makers have evidence-informed and actionable information, particularly in the areas of:

• Dental hygiene practice
• Regulating the practice of dental hygiene
• Access to essential oral health services in Ontario

1.4 The public has access to information about the benefits of the regulated dental hygiene practice, the role of the CDHO, and the CDHO’s regulatory processes.