DT News - Canada - Dental hygienists now self-regulated in Newfoundland and Labrador

Dental Tribune Canada

Tue. 10 September 2013

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OTTAWA, Ontario, Canada: Earlier this summer, dental hygienists in Newfoundland and Labrador became self-regulating under the Health Professions Act (2010) through a shared regulating responsibility with the Newfoundland and Labrador Council of Health Professionals (NLCHP) and the Newfoundland and Labrador College of Dental Hygienists (NLCDH).

“This legislation will allow dental hygienists to work in independent practice settings within the community, to service isolated populations and educate the residents of Newfoundland and Labrador in a safe and professional manner” said Nikki Curlew, the new chair of the Newfoundland and Labrador College of Dental Hygienists. The change became effective June 1.

The Canadian Dental Hygienists Association (CDHA) supports and champions self-regulation for dental hygienists, which is already in place in most jurisdictions across Canada with the exception of Quebec, Prince Edward Island and the North. CDHA President Sandy Lawlor sent congratulations to “the many dental hygienists in Newfoundland and Labrador who have worked tirelessly to fulfill the requirements for the Health Professions Act and develop Dental Hygienists Regulations.”

The Newfoundland and Labrador College of Dental Hygienists is mandated by the provincial government, under t he Health Professions Act, to carry out its activities and govern its members in a manner that serves and protects the public interest. In protecting the public, NLCDH ensures that dental hygienists are educated to perform safe and appropriate dental hygiene services and that they follow the practice standards set by the college. Duties of the college include: approving a program of study and education for the purpose of establishing education requirements; developing entry to practice requirements for dental hygiene including annual renewal or recertification requirements and continuing competency requirements; establishing a scope of practice; establishing standards of practice; and, developing a code of ethics.

Tiffany Ludwicki, president of the Newfoundland and Labrador Dental Hygienists Association (NLDHA) also supports the new legislation, which she said “will facilitate “growth of the profession and an increased ability to provide health care to the people of Newfoundland and Labrador. Self-regulation will allow for new and exciting endeavors. We are pleased to have achieved professional autonomy and look forward to working as primary health care providers.”

The Newfoundland and Labrador Council of Health Professionals is an independent body and is responsible for governing the regulation of seven health groups in the areas of registration, professional standards, quality assurance, and discipline. The NLCHP has two members from each of the professional groups and six public representatives who act to support the quality and safety of health services, enhance public protection, improve patient safety and strengthen the regulatory system, and facilitate patient centered interprofessional collaboration and care.

Serving the profession since 1963, CDHA is the collective national voice of more than 24,000 registered dental hygienists working in Canada, directly representing 16,500 individual members, including dental hygienists and students. Dental hygiene is the sixth largest registered health profession in Canada, with professionals working with people of all ages in a variety of settings — including independent practices — addressing issues related to oral health. The organization’s website is www.dentalhygienecanada.ca.

(Source: Canadian Dental Hygienists Association)

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