CONTINUING COMPETENCE
Standard Statement
The dental hygienist on the General Register participates in the College’s Continuing Competence Program (CCP) to maintain competence and enhance the provision of dental hygiene services throughout their career.
Performance Expectations
The dental hygienist on the General Register must…
- Meet the requirements of the CCP established by Council as outlined in the CCP Manual by:
- Obtaining CCP credits in accordance with the policies outlined in the CCP Manual;
- Completing courses or learning activities required by the College within the time-period specified.
- Keep records, in accordance with the policies outlined in the CCP Manual, of any activities undertaken for the purpose of the CCP for a minimum of four (4) years.
- When required, provide records of any activities undertaken for the purpose of the CCP to the Registrar for review.
- When directed by the Registrar or Competence Committee, participate in a competence assessment in accordance with the criteria and policies outlined in the CCP Manual. Competence assessments may require evaluations including:
- Practice visits;
- Examinations;
- Reviews of records of any activities undertaken for the purpose of the CCP;
- Individualized assessments of professional competence;
- Interviews; or
- Any other type of evaluation as required by the Registrar or Competence Committee.
Patient Expectations
The patient can expect that the dental hygienist maintains and enhances their professional knowledge, judgment, and skills throughout their career.
Actions to Be Taken
If a dental hygienist has not completed the required CCP activities, has not maintained proper records, or has unsatisfactory results on a competence assessment, the Registrar and/or Competence Committee may:
- Deny annual permit renewal;
- Refer the dental hygienist to the Complaints Director;
- Direct the dental hygienist to undertake one or more actions as outlined in the CCP Manual within the time-period specified by the Registrar; and/or
- Impose conditions in accordance with section 40.1 of the Health Professions Act.
At the College’s discretion, the dental hygienist may be responsible for the costs of:
- Any action that the dental hygienist must undertake in response to a direction by the Registrar or Competence Committee; and
- Any competence assessment.
Glossary
CONTINUING COMPETENCE PROGRAM MANUAL: The Council-approved document describing the details of the Continuing Competence Program.
COMPETENCE COMMITTEE: A Council-appointed committee established under the Health Professions Act.
COMPETENCE: The combined knowledge, skills, attitudes, and judgment required to provide dental hygiene services.
DENTAL HYGIENE SERVICES: Any service that falls within the practice of the profession of dental hygienists as outlined in the Health Professions Act (Schedule 5, section 3).