Dental Hygiene
Last updated on September 15, 2022The British Columbia College of Oral Health Professionals (BCCOHP) is the regulatory body established to regulate dentists, dental therapists, denturists, dental technicians, dental hygienists, and certified dental assistants. The BCCOHP was established on September 1, 2022. The BCCOHP resulted from the amalgamation of the College of Dental Hygienists of BC, College of Dental Surgeons of BC, College of Dental Technicians of BC, and College of Denturists of BC.
Dental hygiene has been a designated health profession under the Health Professions Act since March 1, 1995, and is regulated by the College in accordance with the Act, the Dental Hygienists Regulation and the bylaws of the College.
Dental hygiene has been a regulated profession under British Columbia legislation since 1952. Before designation under the Health Professions Act, the profession was regulated as an auxiliary body under the former Dentists Act.
Amendments to the Dental Hygienists Regulation
Amendments to the Dental Hygienists Regulation and to most College bylaws are subject to a three-month notice period, unless the Minister specifies a shorter period.
The College is responsible for giving notice of proposed bylaw amendments, including posting them on the College website, and all bylaw amendments must be filed with the Minister to be effective. Filed bylaws come into force 60 days after the date of filing, unless the Minister either disallows the change or specifies an earlier date, or the College withdraws the change.
The full text of the current bylaws and information about any proposed bylaw amendments may be obtained by contacting the College. Comments on proposed bylaw amendments should be submitted to both the College and the Ministry
Proposed Regulation Amendments
| Proposed Regulation Amendments | Notice Date |
|---|---|
| Propose amendments to the Dental Hygienists Regulation (PDF, 96KB) to reflect the proposed name of the amalgamated oral health professionals’ college. | April 4, 2022 |
Approved Regulation Amendments
| Approved Regulation Amendments | Date |
|---|---|
| Amendments to the Dental Hygienists Regulation, effective February 24, 2020, including changes to better align it to the Health Professions Act model (characterized by shared scope of practice statements and restricted activities), minor changes in scope of practice, removal of the 365-day rule, and changes to standardize terms to align with the other oral health colleges’ regulations. | February 24, 2020 MO 041/2020 BC Reg 32/2020 |
| Amends section 6 of the Dental Hygienists Regulation, effective July 3, 2012, to allow dental hygienists who meet additional education and experience requirements (specified in the bylaws of the College) to be exempted from the '365 day rule' regardless of practice setting. | April 2, 2012 MO 089/2012 BC Reg 075/2012 |
| Makes the Dental Hygienists Regulation, effective October 17, 2008. | October 15, 2008 MO 236/2008 BC Reg 276/2008 |
| Repeals the Dental Hygienists Regulation (BC Reg 486/94), effective October 17, 2008. Continues the designation of dental hygiene under the Health Professions Designation Regulation, effective October 17, 2008. |
October 10, 2008 OIC 737/2008 BC Reg 270/2008 |
| Amends the Dental Hygienists Regulation to expand the definition of "facility" to include registered assisted living residences under the Community Care and Assisted Living Act. | April 20, 2007 OIC 221/2007 BC Reg 95/2007 |
| Amends the Dental Hygienists Regulation by adding section 8 re: continued application of Part 4 of the Health Professions Act to dental hygiene. (The Designation Regulation is repealed.) | January 30, 2006 OIC 33/2006 BC Reg 9/2006 |
| The Designation Regulation is amended by adding dental hygiene as a profession to which Part 4 of the Health Professions Act applies. |
July 23, 2004 OIC 804/2004 |
| Enacts the Dental Hygienists Regulation effective March 1, 1995. | December 16, 1994 OIC 1564/94 BC Reg 486/94 |
Filed Bylaw Amendments
| Filed Bylaw Amendments | Date |
|---|---|
| Amends the College bylaws by repealing and replacing Section 7. | Filed September 24, 2021 In force October 5, 2021 MO 372/2021 |
| Amends the College bylaws by repealing and replacing Schedule D (fees). | Filed November 2, 2020 In force January 4, 2021 |
| Amends the bylaws relating to registration, quality assurance, private dental hygiene practice, and other changes for improved clarity and consistency. | Filed February 11, 2020 In force March 2, 2020 MO 042/2020 |
| Amends the College bylaws by repealing and replacing Schedule D (fees). | Filed October 31, 2019 In force December 30, 2019 |
| Amends the bylaws by repealing and replacing Schedule B and amending the College's board election procedures | Filed July 26, 2019 In force September 26, 2019 |
| Amends the bylaws by repealing and replacing Schedule D - Fees | Filed November 2, 2018 In force January 1, 2019 |
| Amends the bylaws by repealing and replacing Schedule D - Fees | Filed November 2, 2017 In force January 1, 2018 |
| Amends the bylaws by amending section 39 and repealing and replacing Schedule I, regarding Dental Hygiene Programs. | Filed March 31, 2017 In force May 30, 2017 |
| Amends the bylaws by repealing and replacing Schedule D (fees). | Filed November 1, 2016 In force January 1, 2017 |
| Amends the bylaws by adding one program to Schedule I (recognized education programs). | Filed September 19, 2016 In force November 18, 2016 |
| Amends the bylaws by removing one program from Schedule I (recognized education programs). | Filed September 19, 2016 In force November 18, 2016 |
| Amends the bylaws by repealing and replacing Schedule D (fees). | Filed November 2, 2015 In force January 1, 2016 |
| Amends the bylaws by repealing and repealing and replacing numerous sections of the bylaws. | Filed March 31, 2015 In Force March 31, 2015 MO 089/2015 |
| Amends the bylaws by repealing and replacing Schedule D (fees). | Filed December 29, 2014 In force January 1, 2015 MO 466/2014 |
| Amends the bylaws by repealing and replacing Schedule D (fees). | Filed November 1, 2013 In force December 31, 2013 |
| Amends the bylaws by repealing and replacing Schedule D (fees). | Filed November 6, 2012 In force January 1, 2013 MO 241/2012 |
| Amends the bylaws regarding establishment of a new quality assurance program. | Filed October 29, 2012 In force November 1, 2012 MO 237/2012 |
| Amends the bylaws, effective July 3, 2012, to establish a '365 day rule'-exempt class of registration. | Filed March 30, 2012 In force May 29, 2012 Effective July 3, 2012 |
| Amends section 48 (1) of the bylaws to allow the registration committee to grant reinstatement following non-payment of fees. | Filed March 19, 2012 In force March 20, 2012 MO 071/2012 |
| Amends the bylaws by removing one program from, and adding one program to, Schedule I (recognized education programs). | Filed January 10, 2012 In force January 11, 2012 MO 007/2012 |
| Amends the bylaws by adding one program to Schedule I (recognized education programs). | Filed November 17, 2011 In force November 23, 2011 MO 313/2011 |
| Amends the bylaws by repealing and replacing Schedule D (fees). | Filed November 15, 2011 In force January 1, 2012 MO 304/2011 |
| Amends the bylaws by repealing and replacing Schedule D (fees). | Filed November 24, 2010 In force January 10, 2011 MO 337/2010 |
| Amends the bylaws by removing one program from Schedule I (recognized education programs). | Filed January 21, 2010 In force January 21, 2010 MO 018/2010 |
| Amends the bylaws by repealing and replacing Schedule D (fees) | Filed December 7, 2009 In force January 11, 2010 MO 283/2009 |
| Amends the bylaws by adding one program to Schedule I (recognized education programs). | Filed June 25, 2009 |
| Amends the bylaws by extending the term of office of the board chair and vice-chair from one year to two years, and by adding three programs to Schedule I (recognized education programs). | Filed March 30, 2009 In force April 1, 2009 MO 116/2009 |
| Amends the bylaws by adding two programs to Schedule I (recognized education programs). | March 6, 2008 OIC 154/2008 |
| Amends the bylaws by repealing and replacing Schedule D (fees). | December 17, 2007 Deposited |
| Amends the bylaws by repealing and replacing Schedule D (fees). | October 12, 2007 Deposited |
| Amends the bylaws by adding two programs to Schedule I (recognized education programs). | May 18, 2007 OIC 271/2007 |
| Amends the bylaws by adding three programs to Schedule I (recognized education programs). | February 28, 2007 OIC 116/2007 |
| Amends the bylaws by repealing and replacing Schedule D (fees). | November 23, 2006 Deposited |
| Amends the bylaws by repealing and replacing Schedule I (recognized education programs) to add US programs. | November 3, 2005 OIC 804/2005 |
| Amends the bylaws by repealing and replacing Form 4 (Certificate of Registration) and Form 5 (Certificate of Election). | February 22, 2005 Deposited |
| Amends the bylaws by repealing and replacing Schedule D (fees payable by registrants). | December 1, 2004 Deposited |
| Approves Part VI of the bylaws. | July 22, 2004 OIC 802/2004 |
| Repeals and replaces all bylaws that require deposit only. | May 31, 2004 Deposited |
| Repeals and replaces all bylaws that require Cabinet approval, except section 41 and Part VI. | May 20, 2004 OIC 506/2004 |
| Amends the bylaws to change the fees payable by registrants. | December 18, 2003 Deposited |
| Amends the bylaws regarding the non-practising registration requirements and increasing various registration fees. | February 27, 2003 OIC 184/2003 |
| Amends the bylaws to increase registration fees. | March 1, 2002 OIC 171/2002 |
| Amends the bylaws regarding registration requirements for full registrants and limited registrants, and requirements for continuing education. | November 4, 1999 OIC 1512/99 |
| Amends the bylaws to establish a residential care category of registration. | February 18, 1999 OIC 201/99 |
| Amends the bylaws in Schedule D and various other provisions. | February 21, 1997 OIC 216/97 |
| Amends Section 36 of the bylaws. | August 7, 1996 OIC 959/96 |
| Amends the bylaws in Section 36 and Schedule D. | June 13, 1996 OIC 646/96 |
| Amends Section 36 of the bylaws. | December 14, 1995 OIC 1547/95 |
| Approves the bylaws of the College except section 9 (2). | August 17, 1995 OIC 1033/95 |
Other
| Other | Date |
|---|---|
| Orders that the date by which the first election must be held is changed to March 1, 1996. | December 19, 1995 MO 641/95 |
| Appoints the first board of the College and orders that the first election of professional members to the board must be held on or before December 1, 1995. | December 8, 1994 MO 428/94 |
Contact information
British Columbia College of Oral Health Professionals
| Website: | https://oralhealthbc.ca |