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 x-ray machines, and
• Prescribe and administer local anaesthetic by injection in the orofacial complex.

Please note that the Government is only consulting on these changes, and there are no changes to Scope currently. We encourage all individuals, including members of the public, clients and RDHs to provide their feedback, and we’ve provided step-by-step instructions on how to do so. Feedback is requested by Monday, November 3, 2025. CDHO supports these and any efforts that will increase access to oral health care for Ontarians. Initiatives such as these also allow RDHs to practise more fully within their Scope of Practice and expertise.

Changes to the General Regulation that bring some registration and examination matters into alignment with modern regulatory practices were recently approved by the Government and are now in force. The most noticeable change is that the “Inactive Class” is now called the “Non-Practising Class”. If you’re an RDH registered in the Inactive Class, the only thing that changes for you is the name of the class. Read the full announcement.

Finally, with so many RDHs preparing for the QA Assessment in 2026, I want to provide a gentle reminder on your responsibilities related to Continuing Professional Development (CPD). RDHs are expected to engage in CPD activities, which can take many forms, including courses or workshops offered by professional associations or post-secondary institutions; resources provided by CDHO (e.g., The Path course, educational modules); home study courses; self-study using current Dental Hygiene and/or medical peer-reviewed materials – to name a few. If selected or if you volunteer for assessment and choose Path 1, you are asked to report on 25 hours of goal-related learning in the previous three years. Regardless of Path choice, all RDHs should continue engaging in CPD activities that enhance their practice and client outcomes.

We are excited by the progress being made on several fronts! I want to thank RDHs for their continued willingness to see the profession advance, and for their contributions to these efforts. We will keep you updated on any developments related to the Scope of Practice. If you have any questions, please get in touch with us.

As always, thanks for your continued contributions to the health of the people of Ontario!

Dr. Glenn Pettifer
Registrar/CEO