In their practice, registered dental hygienists do one or more of the following:
- Assess, diagnose, and treat oral health conditions through the provision of therapeutic, educational, and preventive dental hygiene procedures and strategies to promote wellness
- Provide restricted activities as authorized by the Dental Hygienists Profession Regulation
- Provide the services described above as clinicians, educators, researchers, administrators, health promoters, and consultants
- Within their practice, registered dental hygienists are legally, ethically, and professionally accountable for their practice and must recognize their practice limitations
Protected Titles
Under the HPA, only registrants on CRDHA`s general register are issued a practice permit and may use the following titles, abbreviations, and initials:
- dental hygienist
- registered dental hygienist
- D.H. (or DH)
- R.D.H. (or RDH)
Approach to Practice
Alberta's registered dental hygienists are professionals who always consider the well-being of their clients. Their approach to practice, detailed in the CRDHA Practice Standards documentation includes:
- A dental hygiene process of care model (p.1, p.12-15)
- A foundation of evidence-based knowledge and theory (p.6)
- Collaboration with clients, colleagues, and other health care professionals (p.6)
For questions about professional practice and Practice Standards, contact the College's Compliance Advisors.