Under the HPA, the College Bylaws establish a patient relations program to prevent professional misconduct, including that of a sexual nature.

Professional misconduct of a sexual nature is defined as sexual intercourse or other forms of physical sexual relations between the dentist or a CDA and a patient.

It includes touching, behaviour or remarks of a sexual nature. These are differentiated from touching, behavior and remarks by the dentist or CDA towards the patient that are of a clinical nature appropriate to the service being provided.