October 2025
What’s happening in your Communities of Practice
A Community of Practice (CoP) is a network of people with a common purpose and place to share knowledge and experience. CoPs are dedicated spaces to ask questions, connect with peers, discuss issues in practice, and access resources related to different areas of practice. Over 5, 200 RDHs have joined across four CoPs – Contraindications in Dental Hygiene, Public Health, Restorative, and Orthodontic!Here’s a glimpse of what’s happening: Join the discussion now! Access the Communities…
Something to talk about…Do you need to report?
While palpating the head and neck of a 9-year-old client, you notice them wince when you touch the base of their skull. Upon further examination, you see bruising along the back of the neck. Should the RDH make a report? One of the more common mandatory reports that RDHs may need to make is where they are treating a child and see bruising or lesions. While causes of bruising or lesions may be difficult to…
Call for Peer Mentors
CDHO is seeking RDHs interested in serving as peer mentors for remediation purposes within the Quality Assurance (QA) Program. Mentoring within the QA Program supports RDHs with identified areas for improvement and who require further guidance and support. As a mentor, your role is to help the RDH apply the knowledge and principles learned through remediation resources. To be a Peer Mentor, you must: be registered in good standing with CDHO. have a minimum of…
New e-learning module: Overview of Disabilities
Our latest e-learning module on the Overview of Disabilities (also offered in French) is now available! This initiative is part of our continued effort to modernize the Quality Assurance Program and support the continuing competence and professional development of RDHs. In this module, you’ll learn about: Common disabilities that you may encounter in practice Barriers clients with disabilities may face when accessing oral health care Considerations for providing inclusive care While not mandatory, completion of…
Seasonal respiratory illnesses and vaccination
In Ontario, seasonal respiratory pathogens, such as Influenza, Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) and COVID-19, historically circulate in highest numbers between November and April. For the 2025-2026 fall and winter seasons, the risk from Influenza, RSV and other respiratory pathogens is expected to be like the previous two seasons and at pre-pandemic years. How to prepare RDHs are reminded to follow CDHO’s Infection Prevention and Control (IPAC) Guidelines and any relevant updates from public health agencies…
2026 Self-Assessment opens October 15
In response to feedback from RDHs, the 2026 Self-Assessment will open on October 15. All RDHs (including those registered as Non-Practising or not actively practising) are required to complete the Self-Assessment by January 31, 2026. Learn more about the Self-Assessment.
Registrar’s message
Hi everyone, and welcome to fall! I hope you had an enjoyable summer. It’s been an exciting few weeks for the profession. We were pleased to see the Government begin consultations on proposed enhancements to the Scope of Practice for RDHs. If these changes are approved, RDHs will be able to: Order dental X-rays, Be designated as Radiation Protection Officers under the Healing Arts Radiation Protection Act, enabling independent RDHs to own and operate dental…
Get ready for Renewal!
CDHO’s annual renewal period begins on October 15, 2025 and RDHs have until December 1, 2025 to complete the renewal form and pay the annual registration fee. Learn more about renewal. The updated Self-Service Portal launched in March 2025. All RDHs will need to sign in to the Portal to renew their Certificate of Registration during the renewal period. Logging in beforehand ensures that you have confirmed your new credentials and that any technical issues…