COVID-19 Updates
The College continues to monitor the status of the COVID-19 pandemic closely. We will continue to take direction from the Provincial Health Officer, the Ministry of Health and the BCCDC. While we are aware of the increasing case numbers, at this time, we have not been informed of any data that the shows that the provision of dental hygiene care is a significant source of transmission. As such, registrants should continue to follow the contents of the guidance document: “Oral Health Care during Phases 2 and 3 of the COVID-19 Response”.
If the situation changes, we are prepared to respond promptly and take the necessary action, informing registrants as soon as possible. Registrants should also check the College’s dedicated COVID-19 page on our website for the latest information related to the pandemic and the provision of care. This includes updates related to mask use by clients and the ability of registrants to provide COVID-19 tests.
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Mark your Calendars - Renewal opens January 6, 2021
Registration is a key pillar of the College’s regulatory mandate. Dental Hygienists must maintain registration in good standing in order to provide care to the public. Each year, in January and February registrants must renew their registration with the College. Registrants who do not renew their registration by the deadline of February 28th are not permitted to practice on March 1st, until they reinstate and renew their license. The 2021 renewal period will open on January 6, 2021. For further information related to the 2021 renewal period, including renewal requirements, renewal fees and how the 2020 bylaw changes affect renewal, please click here.
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Launch of the New QAP Assessment Tool
As announced in the June edition of Access, the development of the QAP Assessment Tool has been brought ‘in-house’ at the College, and it will now be hosted on a new assessment platform. The new QAP Assessment Tool will be available for registrants beginning on January 6, 2021 and it reflects the College’s continued work towards meeting our mission of regulatory excellence in the public interest. Registrants are encouraged to view the short QAP Assessment Tool Question Type Video for a preview of the various new question types and format.
The QAP Assessment Tool will remain an online, open-book assessment designed to measure registrants’ knowledge, application and critical-thinking abilities related to real life dental hygiene practice through a BC lens. With the transition to the new innovative question types, a decision has been made to reduce the number of items on the new QAP Assessment Tool from 75 to 70. Another change of note is that as of January 6, 2021, the cost of the new QAP Assessment Tool will be reduced from $125 to $85 per attempt.
Click here to read more about the new version of the QAP Assessment Tool.
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Continuing Competency Credit Eligibility Updates: CPR-BLS and the Jurisprudence Education Module
Prior to the Bylaw changes enacted on March 2, 2020, in order to provide safe care as per the CDHBC Practice Standards and Code of Ethics, registrants were expected to remain current with CPR in order to respond to a medical emergency during the provision of care. While this was not a formal requirement per the College Bylaws, it was considered an ethical obligation. Registrants were able to claim continuing competency (CC) credits for CPR certification courses once per QAP cycle, provided that the CPR course included both didactic and hands-on instruction, and that participants successfully completed a final exam.
With the Bylaw changes that took effect on the March 2, 2020 maintaining current CPR (Basic Life Support or Health Care Provider level) became a formal registration requirement for registrants renewing their practicing license annually*. In light of this change, the Quality Assurance Committee has determined that CPR-BLS (or HCP) courses will no longer be eligible for continuing competency (CC) credits because they are not viewed as expanding one’s competency beyond the minimum required for registration. This change in credit eligibility will take effect beginning January 1, 2021.
Please click here for more information.
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Gender Diversity Cultural Safety
While Pride season looks a little different this year, the vibrancy and strength of 2SLGBTQ+ communities across BC is undeniable. Dental hygienists are reminded of their responsibility to create a welcoming and safe environment for 2SLGBTQ+ clients. Homophobia, transphobia, and discrimination are still pervasive within British Columbia and the health care system in particular.
A June 2019 report by the Standing Committee on Health found that up to 60% of 2SLGBTQ+ people do not talk to their health care providers about their sexual orientation or gender identity, while those that do often need to educate health professionals about their risk factors or health needs. Moreover, the report cited incidents of health care workers refusing to treat people belonging to sexual or gender minorities because they do not feel that they are sufficiently trained – which can lengthen the time it takes for 2SLGBTQ+ people to access care.
Click here to read the full article.
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Reminder of Upcoming Board Election
In accordance with section 4 of the CDHBC bylaws, notice is provided to registrants of the expiry of the term of office of 3 elected Board members effective February 28, 2021*.
Nominations, along with the completed Declaration for Election to the Board, and the Board Nomination Application Form must be received no later than 4:00 p.m. on November 30, 2020.
Please click here for the Nomination and Declaration Form.
Please click here for the Board Election Guidance for Applicants.
Please click here for the Board Nomination Application Form.
* Please note that remaining Board positions do not become vacant until March 1, 2022 and will not​ be the subject of election during 2021.
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Public Notification
On October 23, 2020, the College rescinded a citation for a Discipline Hearing issued to Kaisha Corbett as the matter was resolved by a section 37.1 Consent Order. Please see the website for the Public Notification.
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Moving?
It is a bylaw requirement that registrants of the College ensure that their contact information is always current on the CDHBC register. Incorrect or out-of-date addresses and email addresses can lead to missed mailings that may include important notices and documents.
Contact information changes can be done by logging in to your registrant profile, clicking on the “Profile” tab and editing “Your Contact information”. Please contact the College if you require any further assistance at cdhbc@cdhbc.com.
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