Hi everyone,

I hope you’re enjoying the warm weather and that you’ve had some time to relax this summer!

First, a huge thank you to everyone who volunteered for the 2025 Quality Assurance Assessment. We were aiming for 500 volunteers and were amazed to see over 800 RDHs sign up! Rather than limiting the number to 500, we made space to accommodate everyone who was interested. We continue to work out details related to the voluntary assessment. As more information becomes available, we’ll keep you updated via email, the website and social media. This approach to assessment is new for CDHO, too, and we appreciate your patience as we build a process for the future!

We’re excited to announce more optional Peer Circle events this fall in Sault Ste. Marie, Peterborough, St. Catharines, Kingston, Windsor and Kitchener-Waterloo, along with additional online options. These sessions provide great opportunities for connection, learning and professional growth. Register for an optional Peer Circle. I also want to let you know that in September we’ll be putting out a call for RDHs who are interested in participating in focus groups. You may recall that we’re changing the role of “Assessors” in the QA Program to become “Peer Coaches”. These focus groups will help inform the structure for peer coaching moving forward, so please consider this opportunity.

We also continue to follow developments with the Canadian Dental Care Plan. Seniors aged 65 and over, children under the age of 18, and adults with a valid Disability Tax Credit certificate may apply if they meet eligibility criteria. Oral health providers can now sign up formally as a CDCP provider or submit claims on a claim-by-claim basis. It’s encouraging to see both the number of oral health providers signing up and the number of applications approved increasing! CDHO supports efforts that increase access to oral health care, and we encourage RDHs to participate in this historic opportunity that will provide access to millions of Ontarians.

Best wishes to all of you for the rest of the summer! As always, my sincere thanks for your commitment to supporting the oral and general health of the people of Ontario! 

Dr. Glenn Pettifer
Registrar/CEO