Dental hygiene is a dynamic and exciting health care profession. Dental hygienists are licensed oral health professionals who serve the public in oral disease prevention and oral health promotion through a uniquely holistic approach. The scope of practice includes the provision of preventive, educational and therapeutic services to both the individual and the community. Dental hygienists play an important role in the assessment planning, treatment and evaluation of periodontal diseases.

The Canadian Dental Hygienists Association (CDHA) has developed Dental Hygiene: Definition, Scope and Practice Standards, a publication designed to guide dental hygienists in their responsibility and accountability as practicing professionals. The document includes definitions, models of practice, practice environments, key areas of responsibilities, and practice standards.

   www.cdha.ca/AM/Template.cfm?Section=DH_Programs

As a practicing dental hygienist with responsibilities to the public, the CDHA Code of Ethics publication has been developed to outline competent and ethical care for clients. The laws under which dental hygienists practice are supplemented and complemented by the Code of Ethics.

   www.cdha.ca/Content/NavigationMenu/TheProfession/Resources/CodeofEthics/Code_of_Ethics.htm