All Registered Dental Hygienists (RDHs) – including those registered in the Non-Practising Class – are required to engage in continuing professional development (CPD) every year.  

Engaging in CPD helps keep your knowledge and skills up to date so that you can better serve your clients, which helps maintain public trust in the dental hygiene profession. It is also a requirement for all regulated health professionals in Ontario. 

Annual Requirement

Each year when you complete your Self-Assessment, you are required to create learning goals. The Self-Assessment suggests goals based on your responses, or you can create your own. These learning goals form the basis of your learning plan for the coming year and from there, you plan CPD activities to help achieve your goals.  

Required Hours and Acceptable Activities 

Over a three-year period, RDHs must complete 60 hours of CPD activities. There are several activities that you can participate in to meet your CPD requirements. Learn about setting CPD goals and acceptable CPD activities.

Goals should be completed in one year, but a large goal that would otherwise take more than a year to complete can be divided into yearly achievable milestones. You may have goals on related topics from year to year, as long as there is new learning occurring in subsequent years.

Creating your Learning Portfolio 

You are also required to keep a record of your learning through a learning portfolio. The easiest way to do this is by using the SMILE Portal, but you are welcome to keep it in a format that works for you, so long as it is easily accessible.  

At a minimum, keep a list of learning activities with proof of attendance or participation (e.g., certificate of attendance or completion, receipts, etc.). We also encourage you to complete a brief reflection on what was learned and how that learning relates to your practice and clients.