Introducing myself as an Independent Dental Hygienist
raises many questions and often some controversy. I hope to clarify some
misunderstandings and concerns. The College of Dental Hygienists of Ontario
(CDHO) was formed in 1994 with the approval of the Ministry of Health. [1] CDHO is the primary
regulatory board of all dental hygienist in Ontario – they are our official
boss. CDHP received government approval to allow Dental Hygienists to become
independent in 2007 [2] to allow more choice with
greater access to oral heath care. In order to become an Independent Dental
Hygienist, strict educational criteria from the College of Dental Hygienists of
Ontario (CDHO) must be met. After working as a registered Dental Hygienist for
twenty years and having obtained an honours Science degree from Western
University prior to that, I felt well-equipped to become independent. In 2008,
I earned my “independent” status.
The Ministry of Health recognizes that preventative
cares saves thousands of dollars per year in health care costs. [3] There is a definite link
between periodontal disease and systemic conditions such as cardiovascular
disease (Heart & Stroke) and diabetes. Research now indicates a possible
link to the onset of Alzheimer’s [4] The most recent support of
Health Canada for Independent Dental Hygienists has been shown by the addition
of Independent Dental Hygienists as service providers to the national
non-insured health benefit programs (NIHB) as of June 1, 2016.
I have the privilege and honour of working with some of
the most talented dentists in our community. The notion that independent dental
hygienists are in rebellion against general practice dentists is unwarranted;
this is evolution, not revolution. Many patients who have a fear of dental
offices feel more at ease introducing themselves first to an Independent Dental
Hygiene Practice. Local dentists forging a good working relationship with an
Independent Dental Hygiene Practice have patients referred to them who
otherwise were not ready to go to a dental office. There are now at least 400
Independent Dental Hygienists in Canada. [5]
More
interesting facts:
·
Dental Hygienists form the sixth largest
regulated health profession in Canada.
·
Dental Hygiene is one of Canada’s top ten
projected growth professions by 2020.
·
Practice is a variety of settings,
including public health, private practice, hospitals, long term care
facilities, educational institutions and research in the dental industry.
·
Practice entrepreneurship having
established their own practice outside of a dentist’s office. [6]
No doubt, changes are always difficult. Today
Independent Dental Hygienists are leading the way for what some day will be the
norm. I am proud to be a part of such a forward thinking profession.
Independent Dental Hygienists have earned the right to be an integral part of
your health care.
Lorraine Vallee, H.
BSC, RDH, is an Independent Dental Hygienist who practices with Norfolk Dental
Hygiene in Simcoe, Ontario
[1] Richardson,
Fran, “Celebrating A Lifetime of Dental Hygiene” Milestones, June 2014. Web. April 11, 2016
[2]
Sobie, Sherryll, Toronto Star, April 1, 2012. Web. April 10, 2016.
[3] Clavis,
Joanne, “Let’s Put Our Money Where Our Mouth Is” PolicyAlternatives.ca, April 2011. Web.
[4] Kravitz,
Charles D.D.S, “New Findings: Periodontal Spirochetes Definitely Linked to
Alzheimers Disease” Advance Dental Consulting, November 10, 2011. Web. April
10, 2016.
[6] Source:
The Canadian Dental Hygienists Association
