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Update on Scope of Practice
Today, the Honourable Sylvia Jones, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health, announced that the Ontario Government is directing Ontario’s regulatory colleges, including CDHO, to begin developing the regulatory framework for future changes to scopes of practice. These changes will permit RDHs to: Order x-rays Be designated Radiation Protection Officers Prescribe and administer local anaesthetic by injection in the orofacial complex With this directive, CDHO will engage in the work necessary to bring these elements into practice. This includes updating the existing regulatory framework, developing new Standards of…
Upcoming Maintenance Notification
On Monday, April 27, from 12 a.m. to 7 a.m., the Public Register and Self-Service Portal will be unavailable due to scheduled maintenance. We apologize for the inconvenience.
New Guideline: Informed Consent
Registered Dental Hygienists are required to obtain informed consent from the client or substitute decision-maker for care decisions. Informed consent in healthcare means that a client has given a health professional permission to do something only after the client has been: Provided all the necessary information about the proposed intervention (e.g., side effects, risks, benefits, alternatives, etc.) in a way that helps them easily understand and appreciate the information; and Given an opportunity to ask questions. To help RDHs understand requirements for…
Something to Talk About: Do You Inform Before You Perform?
You’re scheduled to see a new client who reports that they have not had a Dental Hygiene appointment in ten years. The client presents with deep pockets and heavy generalized calculus that can be seen on the radiographs. You believe it will take two appointments to complete the scaling and include this in your treatment plan. What does the client need to know before you begin? Inform before you perform Before performing any procedure, RDHs…
Knowledge Network Updates
The following Advisories and Fact Sheets were recently updated on the Knowledge Network: Advisories Infective Endocarditis Associated with Certain Heart ConditionsJoint ReplacementNutritional Disorders Fact Sheets Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase DeficiencyHead LiceHuntington DiseaseImpetigoInfective EndocarditisJoint ReplacementMononucleosisScabiesScleroderma The Guideline: Recommended Antibiotic Prophylaxis Regimens for the Prevention of Infective Endocarditis and Hematogenous Joint Infection has been updated to reflect the changes in the Infective Endocarditis, and Joint Replacement advisories and fact sheets, ensuring all content remains consistent and aligned.
Update – Demographic Data Collection
Since 2023, we’ve collected voluntary demographic data in the application and renewal forms. These questions help us gather information along four diversity dimensions: Indigenous identity, visible minority identity, sexual orientation and gender identity, and disability. This data helps us better understand demographic trends in the profession and guides efforts to improve equity and inclusion. We’re excited to share that in 2025 we achieved an incredible 89% average response rate to these questions. We sincerely thank…
Registrar’s Message
Hi everyone! I hope your spring is off to a great start – we all deserve some warm weather and sunshine! This week is National Dental Hygienists Week, and it is my pleasure and honour to be working with such a dedicated group of oral health professionals! Congratulations to all RDHs and a sincere thank you for your commitment to the health of Ontarians. Spring brings opportunities for renewal and, if you’re a gardener,…
Call for Community Leaders
We are looking for additional community leaders for the Restorative, Orthodontic and Public Health CoPs. Community leaders are experienced RDHs with at least five years’ experience in the relevant area of practice (restorative, ortho or public health) who support these communities on an ongoing basis. They will be familiar with the issues unique to their practice setting and able to answer community questions. We’re looking for RDHs with at least five years’ experience in these…
What’s Happening in Your Communities of Practice
Nearly 6,000 RDHs have joined our four Communities of Practice (CoP) – Contraindications in Dental Hygiene, Public Health, Restorative and Orthodontic! CoPs are a network of people with a common purpose and place to share knowledge and experience. They are led by community leaders who are RDHs like you, and not CDHO staff. CoPs are a safe space to ask questions, connect with peers, discuss issues in practice, and access resources related to different areas…
