Dentistry

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. 

Dentistry has been a designated health profession under the Health Professions Act since April 3, 2009 and is regulated by the College in accordance with the Act, the Dentists Regulation and the bylaws of the College.

Dentistry has been a regulated profession under British Columbia legislation since 1886. The College was established in 1908. Before designation under the Health Professions Act, the profession was regulated under the former Dentists Act.

Transition of Dentistry to the Health Professions Act

Repeal of the Dentists Act was provided for in the Health Professions Amendment Act, 2003.

As required by the Health Professions Act, the Ministry gave initial notice of the proposed Dentists Regulation on November 21, 2006. Also in November 2006, the College of Dental Surgeons submitted proposed bylaws under the Health Professions Act and the Ministry gave notice of the proposed bylaws on December 20, 2006. The Ministry gave notice of the final draft of the proposed Dentists Regulation on October 24, 2008.

On December 12, 2008, the government announced that effective April 3, 2009, the repeal of the Dentists Act would be brought into force and the profession of dentistry would be designated under the Health Professions Act.

On February 17, 2009, the Minister appointed the first board of the College under the Health Professions Act, and ordered that the first election of professional members to the board must be held by July 3, 2010.

On March 16, 2009, the College gave notice of the final draft of proposed bylaws under the Health Professions Act. Comments were requested to be submitted to the College and the Ministry by March 23, 2009.

On April 1, 2009, the government announced completion of the transition.

The first election of professional members to the board was completed on May 20, 2010.

Amendments to the Dentists Regulation

Amendments to the Dentists 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 Dentists 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 Dentists Regulation, effective February 24, 2020, including changes to the restricted activities section to clarify that unregulated persons cannot perform the restricted activities of dentists (unless authorized), as well as changes to standardize terms to align with the other oral health colleges’ regulations. February 24, 2020
MO 041/2020
BC Reg 32/2020
Amends the Regulation by adding "dental therapist" to the list of reserved titles. October 21, 2014
MO 363/2014
BC Reg 189/2014
Makes the Dentists Regulation, effective April 3, 2009. December 12, 2008
MO 308/2008
BC Reg 415/2008
Brings into force the repeal of the Dentists Act, effective April 3, 2009.

Designates dentistry under the Health Professions Designation Regulation, effective April 3, 2009.
December 12, 2008
OIC 973/2008
BC Reg 421/2008
 

Filed Bylaw Amendments

Filed Bylaw Amendments Date
Amends the bylaws by replacing Schedule E - Fees Filed December 3, 2020
In force January 4, 2021
MO 438/2020
Amends the bylaws in Parts 2 and 4 relating to committee structure and Board eligibility Filed January 29, 2020
In force July 28, 2020
MO 254/2020
Amends the bylaws by replacing Schedule E - Fees Filed November 22, 2019
In force December 31, 2019
MO 473/2019
Amends the bylaws relating to the college board and committees. Filed September 11, 2019
In force September 16, 2019
MO 301/2019
Amends the bylaws by repealing and replacing Schedule F - Fees. Filed December 20, 2018
In force January 1, 2019
MO 531/2018.
Amends the bylaws by repealing and replacing Schedule F (fees). Filed December 4, 2017
In force February 2, 2018
Amends the bylaws relating to advertising and promotion. Filed September 28, 2017
In force November 28, 2017
Amends the bylaws by repealing and replacing Schedule F (fees). Filed November 30, 2016
In force January 1, 2017
MO 483/2016
Amends the bylaws by amending section 13.03(5) regarding providing dental services to one's spouse. Filed June 20, 2016
In force August 19, 2016
Amends the bylaws by repealing and replacing Schedule F (fees). Filed November 30, 2015
In force January 1, 2016
MO 390/2015
Amends section 12 of the bylaws regarding marketing and promotional activities. Filed August 13, 2015
In force
October 12, 2015.
Amends the bylaws by repealing and replacing Schedules G and H (Tariff of costs). Filed June 20, 2015
In force
August 19, 2015.
Amends the bylaws by repealing and replacing Schedule F (fees). Filed December 29, 2014
In force January 1, 2015
MO 464/2014
Corrects section numbering errors in amendments filed September 30, 2013. Filed September 26, 2014
In force November 25, 2014
Amends the bylaws by adding Schedule D.1 regarding dental therapist services. Filed September 26, 2014
In force November 25, 2014
Amends the bylaws regarding electronic delivery, board election eligibility, citations, pre-hearing conferences and promotional activities for limited practices. Filed June 19, 2014
In force June 20, 2014
MO 203/2014
Amends sections 3.16 to 3.19 of the College bylaws regarding participation by certified dental assistants in general meetings of the College. Filed May 12, 2014
In force May 13, 2014
MO 152/2014
Amends the bylaws by repealing and replacing Schedule F (fees). Filed December 23, 2013
In force January 1, 2014
MO 324/2013
Amends the bylaws to establish the dental therapist registrant class for employees of the First Nations Health Authority. Filed September 30, 2013
In force November 29, 2013
Amends the bylaws by repealing and replacing Schedule F (fees). Filed March 7, 2013
In force May 6, 2013
Amends the bylaws by repealing and replacing Schedule F (fees). Filed December 20, 2012
In force January 1, 2013
MO 287/2012
Amends the bylaws by repealing and replacing Schedule F (fees). Filed January 03, 2012
In force January 11, 2012
MO 008/2012
Amends the bylaws by repealing and replacing Schedule F (fees). Filed February 7, 2011
In force February 16, 2011
MO 031/2011
Amends the bylaws by repealing and replacing Schedule F (fees). Filed February 3, 2010
In force April 4, 2010
Amends the bylaws by repealing and replacing Schedule F (fees). Filed December 23, 2009
In force February 1, 2010
MO 299/2009
Repeals all rules of the College under the Dentists Act, and makes the bylaws of the College under the Health Professions Act. Filed April 3, 2009
In force April 3, 2009
MO 123/2009
 

Other

Other Date
Appoints the first board of the College under the Health Professions Act and orders that the first election of professional members to the board be held on or before July 3, 2010. February 17, 2009  
MO 031/2009

 

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