A dental hygienist is a regulated health professional who works in a variety of settings, including private practice, public health, hospitals, long-term care facilities, educational institutions and research. They can work independent of or alongside a dentist and are an important part of your health care team.
Dental hygienists focus primarily on oral disease prevention but can also be involved in orthodontic procedures such as braces. Some also have a specialty certificate and are involved in providing restorative services such as placing fillings.
Your dental hygienist will work with you to determine your care plan and help you maintain proper oral health. Dental hygienists provide a range of personalized care. Only regulated health professionals may provide dental hygiene services.
The College of Dental Hygienists of Ontario (CDHO)
The College of Dental Hygienists of Ontario regulates the practice of dental hygiene by setting the requirements to be registered as a dental hygienist and establishing practice standards for the safe, ethical care of all Ontarians. To practise dental hygiene in Ontario, a person must be registered with the CDHO. Only those persons currently registered with the CDHO may use the title “dental hygienist” or any variety or translation of “dental hygienist”, including the initials RDH (Registered Dental Hygienist).