Dental Hygiene

Last updated on June 18, 2024

The 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
   
 

Approved Regulation Amendments

Approved Regulation Amendments Date
Amends the Dental Hygienists Regulation to reflect the name of the amalgamated college: British Columbia College of Oral Health Professionals, effective September 1, 2022.  July 18, 2022 
MO 207/2022 
BC Reg 172/2022 
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
BC Reg 359/2004

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
Toll Free
1-888-202-0448
Mailing
110 – 1765 8th Ave W
Vancouver, BC V6J 5C6