Dental Hygiene in Alberta - A Historical Perspective

2000

The ADHA supports the U of A Dental Hygiene program in its efforts to develop a degree program. Now the U of A offers both a Dental Hygiene Diploma and a BSc-Dental Hygiene Specialization route of study, and a degree completion program (post dental hygiene diploma). The University of Alberta Dental Hygiene Program is the first Canadian dental hygiene program to offer a seamless choice to students between a diploma or baccalaureate route of dental hygiene education.

1999

The Alberta Legislative Assembly passes the Health Professions Act (HPA) to regulate all 30 governing health professions. The dental hygienist profession through the Alberta Dental Hygienists’ Association starts the process of being included under the HPA.,

1998

The ADHA delivers the first local anaesthetic program for Alberta dental hygienists. Delivery of local anaesthetic was also included in the Dental Hygiene Program curriculum.

1990's

Eventually, after many starts and moratoriums surrounding the development of dental hygiene regulations under this Dental Profession Act, the Alberta government introduces a policy paper and bill that addresses dental hygiene registration and practice. In the fall of 1990, the Dental Disciplines Act is proclaimed and dental hygiene becomes a self-regulating profession in Alberta. The pursuant Dental Hygienists Regulation is passed in the late winter of 1996.

1980's

By 1980, more than 300 dental hygienists are actively practicing in Alberta. At this time, Local Health Units employ nearly 100 dental hygienists through the Dental Hygiene Public Health workforce.

In 1984 the Dental Profession Act is passed, establishing a Dental Occupations Council. This Council is to propose dental hygiene regulations pursuant to the Dental Profession Act.

1970's

Though the initial support for dental hygiene came from the public health sector, private sector support is growing. In the 1970's, with the advent of dental insurance employee benefit plans and public demand for preventive dental services, dental hygienists gain popular acceptance in the private dental office.

In his book on the history of Dentistry in Alberta, Dr. H. McLean, Dean of Dentistry, refers to a discussion of a degree program in Dental Hygiene. In the early 1970's (Nov. 1974) a degree program in dental hygiene was proposed and the presentation to the Faculty Council of Dentistry was approved in principle. Funds to support the program were available through the Department of Advanced Education.

1960's

In 1960, the University and the provincial government reach an agreement that allows for an Alberta dental hygiene education curriculum. In January, 1961 Ms. Margaret MacLean (nee Berry), is appointed founding Director of the School of Dental Hygiene, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Alberta.

The first graduating class of dental hygienists from the University of Alberta, a professionally active and dedicated group, sees a need for a provincial dental hygiene association. In the fall of 1963, they discuss the formation of an Alberta Dental Hygienists' Association (ADHA) and by December, the association approve constitution officially launches the ADHA.

1950's

Throughout the 1940's and 1950's the Alberta Government examines the type of dental health service that it wants to offer in communities. It turns down a proposal for dental hygiene education in the mid-1950's by the University of Alberta's Faculty of Dentistry. Alberta's first dental hygienist, Ms. Joan Engman, obtains her dental hygiene education through a federal grants program. She studied dental hygiene in Michigan and returned to Alberta to practice dental hygiene in 1951.

The Alberta government passes dental hygiene legislation in the fall of 1951. In 1952 an Order-in-Council, repeals this initial legislation, leaving the practice of dental hygiene unregulated for more than 30 years.