Standards of Practice

Standards of Practice set the minimum levels of professional behaviour and conduct of regulated health professionals. It is the responsibility of the dental hygienist to understand the College’s Standards of Practice and adhere to them in their practice of dental hygiene. Performance below the minimum standard is considered unprofessional conduct as per the HPA.

The restricted activity of administering local anaesthetic by injection shall only be performed by a Regulated member in good standing on the General Register who: 1.1. Holds a ACDH Local Anaesthesia Certificate; and 1.2. Holds current cardiopulmonary resuscitation certification at the level required by Council for initial registration and renewal of a Practice Permit.

The patient can expect that advertising by or about the dental hygienist is accurate, assists them in making informed choices, and does not pressure them in their dental hygiene care decisions. 

The patient can expect the dental hygienist to assess relevant data, make an informed diagnosis, partner with the patient to develop and implement patient-centred goals and plans, and evaluate dental hygiene services.

The patient can expect that the dental hygienist will collaborate effectively to provide safe, competent, and ethical care. 

The patient can expect the dental hygienist to communicate with them clearly, professionally, and effectively in a way that supports their understanding and participation.

The patient can expect the dental hygienist to provide services that are in the patient’s best interest and to disclose and manage any conflicts of interest.

The patient can expect that the dental hygienist maintains and enhances their professional knowledge, judgment, and skills throughout their career. 

The patient can expect that the dental hygienist supports the patient’s choice of dental hygiene care provider. In the event that the dental hygienist discontinues care, the patient will be given options for alternate oral health care providers to continue the patient’s care. 

The patient can expect the dental hygienist to accurately document all the information relevant to the dental hygiene services they received and create a comprehensive health record that facilitates future care.

The patient can expect the dental hygienist to safely, competently, and appropriately incorporate drugs into the patient’s care. 

The patient can expect that the prescribing dental hygienist is knowledgeable and works with the patient to ensure the prescribed drug is a safe and appropriate choice for treating an oral health condition. 

The patient can expect that the dental hygienist will act in the interest of patient safety and report specific situations or incidents to the appropriate authority as required. 

The patient can expect that the dental hygiene services they receive are informed by the best available current evidence, the patient's values, and the dental hygienist's knowledge, skills, experience, and judgment. 

The patient can expect that they will be informed of the options, risks, costs, and benefits of proposed services, asked to provide their consent, and that the dental hygienist will respect their right to question, refuse options, and/or withdraw from services at any time. 

The patient can expect that the dental hygienist discusses the risks and benefits of dental X-ray imaging procedures and safely takes X-ray images only when necessary for detecting or diagnosing oral health conditions. 

The patient can expect that they will be treated respectfully and that their input will be sought, valued, acknowledged, and integrated into all aspects of dental hygiene care. 

The patient can expect that the dental hygienist will hold information acquired in their professional relationship confidential and only share it when appropriate for the patient's care or with the patient's consent. 

The patient can expect that the dental hygiene services they receive are provided by a competent dental hygienist who follows all the rules and expectations of the profession. 

The dental hygienist/patient relationship is a professional relationship defined by legislation, the Dental Hygienists Profession Regulation and the ACDH Code of Ethics.

The patient can expect the dental hygienist to maintain and securely keep all records pertaining to the patient in accordance with policies and procedures that are compliant with applicable legislation. 

The patient can expect that the dental hygienist performs the restricted activities which they are authorized to provide in a safe, effective, and appropriate manner. 

The patient can expect the dental hygienist to deliver services safely, follow appropriate infection prevention and control measures, and respond appropriately to any event that could result in harm or has caused harm. 

The patient can expect to be informed of the role of the supervised person and that a  
supervising dental hygienist is responsible and accountable for the delivery of safe, competent services.