National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, Sept. 30
The federal government recently passed legislation to make September 30 a federal statutory holiday called the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Registrants are encouraged to observe this day as they are able through reflection, by participating in a community event, or by seeking out resources to support learning. The National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation is collaborating with First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities to produce a live, one-hour broadcast special to mark the first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on Sept. 30 at 5pm PST. You can watch it on APTN, CBC, CBC Gem or listen to it on CBC Radio/Radio Canada.
More information about the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and links to resources to further your learning are available in the BC Health Regulators’ recent statement.
If you or a loved one is Indigenous and requires support, the Hope for Wellness Help Line provides 24/7 support for all Indigenous peoples across Canada: 1-855-242-3310 or online: hopeforwellness.ca.
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Root of the Matter: Trauma-Informed Care
Dental hygienists in BC have a professional and ethical obligation to provide safe, competent, and appropriate care to all clients without prejudice or discrimination. Dental hygienists work closely with clients, both in physical space and through communication and collaboration. However, they may not always be aware of an individual history of trauma that a client has experienced. It is not necessary to know the details of past trauma that has occurred, but rather to provide care that does not inadvertently re-traumatize the client. Due to this, it is important for dental hygienists to develop the knowledge and skills to incorporate a trauma-informed care (TIC) approach in practice.
You can read the full article on the CDHBC website.
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CDHBC Signs Joint Statement of Apology for Indigenous Racism in BC Health Care
As previously shared in an August Bulletin, in response to the In Plain Sight report, which detailed systemic racism against Indigenous peoples in the B.C. health care system, 11 Health Regulatory Colleges in B.C. have signed a Joint Statement of Apology and Commitments to Action, including the College of Dental Hygienists of BC.
The Joint Statement was signed by the 11 Colleges at a July 27, 2021 ceremony with a First Nations consultant, a First Nations Knowledge Carrier, and witnesses at Spanish Banks in Vancouver on the unceded, ancestral, traditional territories of the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh peoples.
Please read the August Bulletin to learn more.
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COVID-19 Information
We would like to acknowledge the ongoing commitment registrants have demonstrated by following COVID-19 protocols in their practice. Registrants must continue to ensure their practice is consistent with the Oral Health Care during Phases 2 and 3 of the COVID-19 Response document.
The College is monitoring the quickly evolving situation with regards to the pandemic very closely. Should there be any updates to requirements, recommendations or information it will be shared with all registrants via email and posted on the CDHBC COVID-19 webpage.
BCHR Statement on COVID-19 Misinformation
BC’s health profession regulators know that the vast majority of BC’s health care providers are following and supporting public health orders to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in our communities. However, BCHR and member colleges, including CDHBC, share serious concerns about how the spread of misinformation regarding COVID-19 and immunization by some regulated health professionals may jeopardize the safety of patients and the public.
Read the full BC Health Regulators’ Statement on COVID-19 Misinformation.
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Update on the QAP Assessment Tool
The Health Professions Act (HPA) requires each BC health regulatory college to develop a quality assurance program that includes an assessment component as a measure of public assurance that health professionals are remaining current and competent in their practice. The Quality Assurance Program (QAP) is a fundamental way the College fulfills its mandate to regulate the profession of dental hygiene to protect the public and ensure safe practice.
The new version of the QAP Assessment Tool was launched earlier this year with registrants who are part of the 2021 cohort. The new Assessment Tool was developed by the College with questions and answers written by BC dental hygienists from all practice settings, including clinical practice. It is a three-hour, open-book, interactive, online assessment with 70 questions.
Evaluation of the Assessment Tool is one of the guiding principles of the Quality Assurance Program and is undertaken annually. In past years this has included a performance analysis and registrant survey. This year, a psychometric analysis has also been added now that the Assessment Tool has been developed in-house. As this was the first year that we used this Assessment Tool, it is inevitable that there will be some areas that will be identified for adjustment. We hope to complete the annual review process in November 2021 and will share more information once it is complete.
The QAP Assessment Tool is intended to strike a balance between the requirement to ensure public protection and being reasonable for registrants to complete.
Learn more about the QAP Assessment Tool:
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Public Notification of Discipline Hearing Outcome: Ms. Mandeep (Mindy) Sahota
On April 12, 2021, following an investigation, the Inquiry Committee of the College of Dental Hygienists of British Columbia (the “College”) directed the Registrar to issue a registrant, Ms. Mandeep (Mindy) Sahota, with a citation for a discipline hearing to consider whether she had engaged in professional misconduct and /or unprofessional conduct as defined in s. 26 of the Health Professions Act.
The results of the hearing and subsequent penalty decision are now posted on the College website. As part of the penalty, Ms. Sahota’s license to practice has been cancelled and she cannot reapply until September 2028. Therefore, Ms. Sahota is not permitted to represent herself as a dental hygienist nor is she permitted to practice dental hygiene. This includes applying for dental hygiene positions. If you observe Ms. Sahota applying for dental hygiene positions, use the title of dental hygienist or practice dental hygiene you are asked to contact the College immediately. The College also asks that registrants share this notice with the person(s) in your practice that oversee the recruitment and hiring of dental hygienists.
Read more about the hearing and decision.
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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 contact information 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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