As we approach the end of another remarkable year, I want to take a moment to reflect on the progress we’ve made together and express my sincere gratitude to RDHs, the public and our partners for their continued contributions to our work.

This year marked a significant step forward for CDHO as Council approved a Strategic Plan for 2025 – 2027. We’ve been busy putting together various initiatives to help us achieve the strategic goals, including enhancing our communications, providing more educational resources for RDHs, modernizing the QA Program, and improving and increasing cultural safety and trauma-informed care for underserved groups. You’ll start to see more of these initiatives come to life in the coming months.

This was the second year in which we asked for volunteers to participate in the Quality Assurance Assessment. We were again overwhelmed by the positive response! We’ve made great strides in modernizing the QA Program to make it more meaningful and relevant. None of this would have been possible without the involvement of RDHs – whether it was volunteering for a focus group, helping to develop various elements of Peer Circles, or responding to requests for feedback. Thank you for sharing your perspectives and for your participation!

I’d also like to thank RDHs, members of the public and partners for submitting their comments on the consultation around an enhanced Scope of Practice. We heard from many of you directly who were pleased to see that these changes are being considered. There are no changes to Scope currently and we’re waiting to hear next steps from the Ontario Government. We will keep you updated as we learn more.

There is so much to be proud of as we close out 2025! I want to thank RDHs again for all their contributions and everything they do to improve the oral health of all Ontarians. I hope you and your loved ones have a restful holiday season and a happy, healthy new year! See you in 2026!

Dr. Glenn Pettifer
Registrar/CEO