ACDH Statement on the Supportive Pathway Pilot Program for Internationally Trained Dentists

The Alberta College of Dental Hygienists (ACDH) continues to receive inquiries regarding the new Supportive Pathway Pilot Program for Internationally Trained Dentists (ITDs) introduced by the College of Dental Surgeons of Alberta (CDSA).

In Alberta, restricted activities are defined in the Government Organization Act as "procedures or services that require specific competencies and skills to be performed safely and effectively." These are delegated through the Health Professions Restricted Activity Regulation and authorized to regulated health professionals through their profession-specific regulations. Alberta legislation does not distinguish between “reversible” and “irreversible” restricted activities—this is not a legislative classification.

The ACDH was not consulted by CDSA in defining which restricted activities would be considered "reversible dental services" under their new restricted registration permits (including: exposing radiographs, scaling and root planing, prophy/fluoride, etc.), despite the fact that many of these procedures are restricted activities that are also within the authorized scope of practice for regulated dental hygienists in Alberta.

Regulated dentists and regulated dental hygienists in Alberta do have overlapping scopes of practice, including the performance of certain restricted activities. However, each profession is distinct and independently regulated, with its own educational pathways, standards of practice, and professional responsibilities. The ACDH regulates dental hygienists in the public interest, while the CDSA regulates dentists in the public interest. Each college is accountable for ensuring that its registrants uphold their respective standards of practice and code of ethics. 

The ACDH supports initiatives that increase access to oral health care for Albertans. However, any such efforts must be grounded in public safety, competence, ethical practice, and interprofessional dialogue. Regulatory decisions must be made transparently with a clear delineation of professional roles to ensure public protection.

The ACDH is committed to upholding patients’ rights to informed consent and informed choice. It is imperative that Albertans are clearly informed if they are receiving care from a registered dental hygienist who has been trained and assessed to provide the full scope of dental hygiene practice - including assessment, diagnosis, planning, implementation, and evaluation—or from an internationally trained dentist operating under a restricted permit with supervisory conditions.

Ensuring public trust and patient safety will continue to remain our priority as a health profession regulator. Interprofessional regulatory alignment and clear, accurate communication to patients are essential to maintaining public trust and delivering safe, effective, and ethical oral health care.