If you are applying to become a Registered Dental Hygienist in the Province of Ontario you must submit an application to the College of Dental Hygienists of Ontario (CDHO) to obtain a certificate of registration. Documents that are part of your application package may need to be notarized. Neighbourhood Notary can help you notarize it.
The College of Dental Hygienists of Ontario (CDHO)
The College of Dental Hygienists of Ontario (CDHO) regulates the profession of dental hygiene in order to ensure that the public has access to safe and ethical care. As part of this mandate, CDHO sets the standards for entry-to-practice and establishes standards for safe and ethical practice. Only individuals who are registered with CDHO are legally authorized to use the title Dental Hygienist in Ontario.
There are three categories of certificates of registration with CDHO:
Visit the CDHO website to learn more about becoming a dental hygienist in Ontario.
Pathways to Register to Practice
While all applicants must meet the registration requirements, there are different pathways to register to practice. They include:
Application Package
As part of your application package to the CDHO, you must submit a number of documents. The following is a list of documents that you may need to submit:
(*) Documents marked with an asterisk above must be notarized by a notary public. Neighbourhood Notary can assist with notarizing your document. Alternatively, the applicant may bring the original documents to the CDHO office for authentication.
(**) Documents marked with a double asterisk above may only be required for certain pathways to register to practice (e.g. proof of completion of refresher course for those who were previously registered dental hygienists). We recommend that you review the applicable guide for your particular application stream for an up-to-date list of documents you need to submit as part of your application package.
The College of Dental Hygienists of Ontario (CDHO) regulates the profession of dental hygiene in order to ensure that the public has access to safe and ethical care. As part of this mandate, CDHO sets the standards for entry-to-practice and establishes standards for safe and ethical practice. Only individuals who are registered with CDHO are legally authorized to use the title Dental Hygienist in Ontario.
There are three categories of certificates of registration with CDHO:
- General – applies to those dental hygienists who meet the basic registration requirements; all registrants are initially registered in the General category.
- Specialty – applies to registrants who hold a General certificate of registration and who have completed a program in restorative dental hygiene that meets the requirements of the College.
- Inactive – is usually held by registrants who are taking some time away from practice. A CDHO registrant with an Inactive certificate of registration cannot practice dental hygiene in Ontario.
Visit the CDHO website to learn more about becoming a dental hygienist in Ontario.
Pathways to Register to Practice
While all applicants must meet the registration requirements, there are different pathways to register to practice. They include:
- Graduates of Accredited Dental Hygiene Programs (in Canada and the US) - click here for a guide to register under this application stream.
- Graduates of Non-Accredited Dental Hygiene Programs (including International Programs) - click here for a guide to register under this application stream.
- Registrants/Licensees of Another Dental Hygiene Regulatory Body in Canada Applying Under the Canadian Free Trade Agreement (CFTA) - click here for a guide to register under this application stream.
- Applicants Who Have Previously Been Registered as a Dental Hygienist in Ontario - click here for a guide to register under this application stream.
Application Package
As part of your application package to the CDHO, you must submit a number of documents. The following is a list of documents that you may need to submit:
- Form A* is the main application form, to be completed in full by the applicant and then signed and notarized. A passport photo should be glued in the designated box on the first page of the application.
- Form B is the Certificate of Professional Conduct, which is submitted to the CDHO office directly by the issuing body. CFTA applicants must submit Form B from the other Canadian dental hygiene regulator.
- Form C** is the certificate completed by the dean or principal from the college of graduation, which is submitted to the CDHO office directly by the issuing school or institution. Form C must be accompanied by an official transcript.
- Form D authorizes CDHO to verify or obtain additional information respecting an application. It needs to be signed by the applicant and included in the completed application package.
- A copy of proof of professional liability insurance is required.
- The original or a notarized copy of a Criminal Record Check* dated no earlier than 12 months prior to becoming registered.
- A copy of the NDHCB exam certificate**, unless it is already on file with CDHO
- A notarized copy of one of the following identification documents* demonstrating that you are currently eligible to work within Canada: Canadian birth certificate, Canadian passport, Canadian citizenship certificate, permanent resident card, or valid work permit. If the document bears an expiration date, it must still be valid at the time of registration.
- A notarized copy of documentation to support a name change*, if applicable.
- Proof of successful completion of an approved refresher course or professional competency assessment**, if you graduated more than three years ago and you have not been practicing dental hygiene since you graduated.
- The Application Checklist, signed and dated by the applicant, having checked all items that apply.
(*) Documents marked with an asterisk above must be notarized by a notary public. Neighbourhood Notary can assist with notarizing your document. Alternatively, the applicant may bring the original documents to the CDHO office for authentication.
(**) Documents marked with a double asterisk above may only be required for certain pathways to register to practice (e.g. proof of completion of refresher course for those who were previously registered dental hygienists). We recommend that you review the applicable guide for your particular application stream for an up-to-date list of documents you need to submit as part of your application package.
DISCLAIMER: information provided in this article is for informational purposes only. It may not be up-to-date and may not be accurate. It shall not be construed as legal advice. Please contact the relevant governmental entity or organization for the most up-to-date and accurate information.
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