On September 22, 2023, CDHO’s Council rescinded the Standard for Authorization to Self-Initiate Profession-Specific Acts, effective immediately. Since 2007, Registered Dental Hygienists who wished to self-initiate the controlled act of scaling and root planing needed to apply for authorization from CDHO. This will no longer be the case.

What this change means

RDHs can now perform the controlled act of scaling and root planing on their own initiative without needing to be authorized by CDHO. However, the requirement that none of the contraindications listed in the Contraindications Regulation are identified before or during the dental hygiene treatment continues. Clearance from a physician or dentist is required if any contraindications are present or if there is any doubt as to the accuracy of the client’s medical or oral history.

Although CDHO no longer requires RDHs to apply for authorization, some employers may still wish to implement some type of approval process. Employers can place these additional obligations on employees and RDHs should ensure they fully understand the terms of the directive they are working under. CDHO continues to encourage inter-professional collaboration that supports the delivery of safe, competent dental hygiene care.

If you are currently authorized to self-initiate:

• There is no change to your practice and no action is required on your part.

If you never applied for authorization to self-initiate:

• You can now perform the controlled act of scaling and root planing on your own initiative, subject to the limits noted above.

If your application for authorization to self-initiate is pending:

• These applications are closed. There is no need to contact CDHO.
• You can now perform the controlled act of scaling and root planing on your own initiative, subject to the limits noted above.

If you are currently in a mentorship program:

• Mentoring is no longer required, but you may continue with the mentorship if you choose. Please talk to your mentor to discuss next steps.
• You can now perform the controlled act of scaling and root planing on your own initiative, subject to the limits noted above.

Support to RDHs

CDHO has developed a webinar and case scenarios to reinforce RDHs’ understanding of the Contraindications Regulation [aussi disponible en Français]. View a written copy of the webinar.

The following resources are also available:

• Knowledge Network
• Registrants’ Handbook
• CDHO guidelines:
  • Best Practice for Initiating Dental Hygiene Care
  • Recommended Antibiotic Prophylaxis Regimens for the Prevention of Infective Endocarditis and Hematogenous Joint Infection
  • A Check-Up for Health and Dental History Taking (Medical/Dental History Guide)
• Contraindications Regulation

If you have any questions about this change or the Contraindications Regulation, please do not hesitate to reach out. You can contact one of our Practice Advisors:

Carolle Lepage, RDH, BEd
416-961-6234 or 1-800-268-2346 x 226
clepage@cdho.org

Tasneem Pirani, RDH
416-961-6234 or 1-800-268-2346 x 266
tpirani@cdho.org

Now Live – Contraindications and Dental Hygiene Community of Practice

The Contraindications and Dental Hygiene Community of Practice is now live! A Community of Practice (CoP) is a network of people with a common purpose and a place to share knowledge and experience.

This new community is a dedicated space to ask questions, connect with your peers, discuss issues in practice, and access resources related to contraindications and initiating dental hygiene care. We encourage RDHs to make use of this valuable resource.

The Contraindications and Dental Hygiene CoP can be accessed through the
Self-Service Portal. If you have any questions, please email qualityassurance@cdho.org.

Call for Community Leaders (no longer accepting applications)

While the Contraindications and Dental Hygiene CoP will be managed by CDHO, the conversations in this CoP will be monitored by and for RDHs. To that end, we are looking for four volunteers to serve as Community Leaders.

Community Leaders are experienced RDHs with at least five years in practice. They will be familiar with the Contraindications Regulation and able to answer community questions. This is a volunteer role, and we anticipate that Community Leaders will need to be available to access the forum about twice per week to review and respond to posted discussions. Community Leaders will be able to use the time they spend in the Community of Practice for their Quality Assurance hours and training on the use of the platform will be provided.