Registered Dental Hygienists (RDHs) are regulated health professionals who focus on oral disease prevention. In Ontario, RDHs are regulated by the College of Dental Hygienists of Ontario (CDHO), which sets standards and requirements that protect your interests. Only individuals registered with CDHO can use the title “Dental Hygienist” or any variation or abbreviation of it.
Their scope of practice (a term that defines what a profession can do) includes assessing teeth and adjacent tissues, and doing preventive and therapeutic treatment. This could include treating periodontal disease with scaling or additional therapies (e.g., certain medicines and antibiotics placed under the gums), and providing orthodontic and restorative procedures and services (e.g., working with a dentist to place braces and fillings).
What to Expect
When you visit an RDH, you have a right to:
- Safe and competent care: Your RDH has met and continues to meet strict requirements to practise, follows standards and other rules set by CDHO, and participates in programs to keep their knowledge and skills up to date. Check if your RDH is registered.
- Make informed decisions: Your RDH should explain the risks, benefits and alternatives of the proposed treatment, examination, test, or procedure so that you can ask questions and make an informed decision on your care.
- Privacy and confidentiality: Your RDH will only ask for personal and health information that is essential to providing care. This information is confidential and will only be shared with your consent or when required by law.
- Access your records: You have the right to view and obtain a copy of your dental records, including documents shared by other health professionals.
- Voice concerns: If you have concerns about the care or service you received, you have the right to file a complaint that CDHO will review and investigate.