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One of the three main ways BCCOHP protects the public is by ensuring that oral health professionals are able to practise competently throughout their careers. Quality assurance is an important part of this work.
BCCOHP is working to establish a single, modernized Quality Assurance Program for all oral health professionals.
The Quality Assurance Programs developed by the legacy colleges that came together to form BCCOHP remained in place upon amalgamation. As a result, there are currently four Quality Assurance Programs with different criteria, processes, and requirements for members of the oral health team.
Modernizing quality assurance will replace these four legacy programs with one unified, standards-linked, right-touch framework designed to support ongoing competence across all oral health professions. Establishing a modernized Quality Assurance Program for all oral health professionals is a goal outlined in our 2024-27 Strategic Plan.
BCCOHP’s work to establish a single, modernized Quality Assurance Program (QAP) has reached an exciting milestone, with the Board approving the design of the modernized program that will replace the existing programs. With the design approved, work has begun to build out the components of program and prepare for rollout in April 2026.
A detailed overview to the modernized QAP can be found here >>
All pre-existing program requirements and assessments are ending on December 31, 2025. Information to support oral health professionals in this transition period is available here >>
As part of the design and development phase of building a modernized QAP for oral health professionals, we engaged external subject matter experts and research to inform our approach toward building a modernized Quality Assurance Program. The research examined best practices in ongoing competence assurance, right-touch regulation, reflective practice, and risk-informed frameworks.
From June–August 2025, BCCOHP held a consultation on the proposed Quality Assurance Program framework, inviting feedback from oral health professionals and the public.
The overarching goal is to build a Quality Assurance Program that is:
To support a consistent and equitable approach, BCCOHP’s Quality Assurance Committee has directed that all pre-existing program requirements and assessments be retired December 31, 2025.
During the transition, oral health professionals are reminded of their ongoing professional responsibility to remain current and competent in their practice. Reviewing BCCOHP’s Professional and Practice Standards is one helpful way to stay grounded in the expectations of safe and ethical care that form the foundation of the modernized QAP.
A set of frequently asked questions (FAQs) has been assembled in response to feedback and inquiries received through the life cycle of this project so far.
Several key groups have been involved in supporting this work:
Shivalika Katyal,
Consultant
shivalika@oralhealthbc.ca
Oral Health Professionals Research Study
BCCOHP’s annual research program surveys all oral health professionals in BC and includes questions about Quality Assurance. Review the summary reports to see the key themes:
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