Change to 365-Day Rule

Effective July 3, 2012 there will be a new category of registration for dental hygienists who will be exempt from the 365-Day Rule. Dental hygienists who meet the eligibility criteria for this category will be able to provide dental hygiene care even if the patient has not been examined by a dentist in the previous 365 days. The government’s intent in making this change is to ensure greater freedom of choice and increased access to oral care.

The College of Dental Hygienists’ bylaw changes that will come into force on July 3 are consistent with the proposed bylaws that were posted for consultation in 2010.

This change applies only to dental hygienists who meet the eligibility criteria for this category, including 3,500 clinical practice hours in the previous five years; current CPR certification; and either a bachelor’s degree in dental hygiene or demonstration of degree-level abilities in four identified areas.

Note that dental hygienists in this new category will be required to recommend that the patient be examined by a dentist if it has been more than 365 days since their last examination.