May 2020 Access
Posted Date: May 28, 2020
Please click here to read the
May 2020 edition of Access.
College releases Return to Non-Essential Care Guiding Documents
Posted Date: May 15, 2020
Please visit our
COVID-19 page to view the documents released today by the College.
Urgent Update: Dr. Henry's Letter to all Health Professionals
Posted Date: March 23, 2020
Tonight I am sharing with you a letter from Dr. Bonnie Henry to all health professionals regulated under the
Health Professions Act regarding the provision of health care in community settings outside the hospital and public health facilities. I ask you to take the time to read this very important letter. The link to the letter can be found at the bottom of this email.
CDHBC continues to recommend in the strongest possible terms, that all dental hygiene care be suspended until further notice, except in the rarest of emergency circumstances. Dr. Henry's letter should provide additional clarity regarding the provision of care.
The College also continue to recommend that our private dental hygiene practices be available to their clients remotely and to manage their clients’ needs appropriately. Should an emergency situation arise, we recommend fully assessing the client’s needs and exploring other available options to address those needs before making the determination to provide in-person care. Should a dental hygienist need to provide emergency care, they must adhere to client pre-screening and stringent infection prevention and control protocols with personal protective equipment being donned and doffed appropriately. Aerosol-producing procedures should be avoided. Social distancing protocols among clients and dental personnel in common areas prior to and following the provision of care must be in place.
Those who work in a dental practice should work collaboratively with the entire dental team around the determination of care. CDSBC has provided communication to its registrants as well regarding the provision of care during this time and I encourage our registrants to be familiar with that information. The most current information from CDSBC can be found by
clicking here
As you have likely heard through news reports, COVID-19 has significantly affected the dental community. There have been a number of positive tests among dental professionals with some developing severe symptoms.
There is no question that it is more important than ever that all dental professionals heed the advice and recommendations of both Dr. Henry and their regulatory body. If we each do what is necessary, we will make a difference. A difference that will save lives.
This is a rapidly changing situation so we ask that all registrants make a regular habit of checking their emails and the CDHBC website for the most up to date information.
Please click here to read Dr. Henry's letter.
I thank you for your attention to these communications and your continued professionalism in these extraordinary times. If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to us at the College. While the College office remains closed, all the staff are working remotely and are here to support you. Please email us or leave us a phone message and someone will get in touch with you as soon as possible. Know that we are in this together.
Warm Regards,
Jennifer Lawrence
Registrar/CEO
March 19 Update: CDHBC Recommends All Care be Suspended
Posted Date: March 19, 2020
Further to our communique of March 17, 2020 the College has received a number of queries regarding whether or not dental hygienists have an obligation to suspend services and/or close their practices at this time.