Registered Dental Hygienists can practise Dental Hygiene through a special type of corporation known as a Professional Corporation. You must first incorporate your business and register it with the Ontario Government and then apply for a Certificate of Authorization from CDHO for your Corporation.
When applying for a Certificate of Authorization, there are a few important things to keep in mind:
- All directors and shareholders must be RDHs in good standing with CDHO and hold a General or Specialty Class registration. RDHs cannot form a Professional Corporation with a dentist or other health professionals.
- The Professional Corporation can only provide Dental Hygiene services and activities related to or ancillary to the practise of Dental Hygiene.
- The name of the Professional Corporation must include the last name of one or more shareholders. It can also include the first name or initials of one or more shareholders.
Learn more on the Health Professional Corporations webpage.
If you have any questions, get in touch with us at registration@cdho.org or by calling 1-800-268-2346 (press 1).
FAQs
Can Dental Hygienists practise through a general corporation?
No, RDHs are not permitted to practise Dental Hygiene through any other type of corporation other than a Professional Corporation. A Professional Corporation is a special type of corporation that meets certain legal requirements and has been issued a Certificate of Authorization by CDHO.
What are the naming requirements for a Professional Corporation?
The name of a Dental Hygiene Professional Corporation must include:
- The last name of one or more shareholders and may include the given name or initials of one or more shareholders.
- “Dental Hygiene” (or “hygiène dentaire”) and “Professional Corporation” (or “société professionnelle”).
The name cannot include any other information and cannot already be in use by another corporation. Corporate name checks can be performed by your legal representative or through NUANS.
| Acceptable Name | Non-Acceptable Name |
| Jane A. Doe Dental Hygiene Professional Corporation | J.A.D. Professional Corporation |
| Patel & Chan Dental Hygiene Professional Corporation | Happy Smiles Dental Hygiene Ltd. |
| W.L. Jones Dental Hygiene Professional Corporation | W.L. Jones Professional Corp. |
| Elaine Brossard l’hygiène dentaire société professionnelle | Brossard Blanches-Dents Ltée. |
Who can be a director or shareholder of a Professional Corporation?
All directors and shareholders of a Dental Hygiene Professional Corporation must be Registered Dental Hygienists.
Can a Dental Hygienist form a Professional Corporation with a dentist or other healthcare professional?
No. All directors and shareholders in a Dental Hygiene Professional Corporation must be Registered Dental Hygienists.
Are there limits on what business a Professional Corporation can do?
Yes. The articles of incorporation of a Dental Hygiene Professional Corporation must state that the corporation will not carry on a business other than the practise of Dental Hygiene or activities related to or ancillary to the practise of Dental Hygiene, including the investment of surplus funds.
Do I need a Certificate of Authorization from CDHO?
Yes. All Dental Hygiene Professional Corporations must hold a Certificate of Authorization issued by CDHO. Certificates of Authorization must be renewed annually.