Practice Resources for Denturists

Our practice-related resources provide important guidance for registrants in meeting the standards of practice. Denturists are responsible for reading BCCOHP’s publications to ensure they are aware of current news and of BCCOHP policies, standards and guidelines.

Standards and Guidance

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This section describes the standards to which denturists are expected to practice in British Columbia.

Denturist Practice

The practice of denturism means:

  • provision of professional services, as permitted by the regulations, which encompass evaluation, pre-treatment, treatment, and post-treatment of a
  • professional administration of clinical, laboratory, and business practices related to the practice of denturism.

Standards of Practice

A registrant must demonstrate, at all times, a level of knowledge which ensures the adequate protection of the public. Areas of requisite knowledge include:

  • ethics and responsibilities
    • demonstrate a knowledge of the Health Professions Act, the regulations and College of Oral Health Professionals bylaws;
    • communicate the responsibilities of a professional to patients, peers, members of the public, and other professionals.
  • principles of business
    • demonstrate knowledge of general business practices including principles of accounting, record keeping, basic tax law, basic lease information, basic proprietary and corporate implications on practice, personnel management, and insurance requirements.
  • principles of communication
    • demonstrate the ability to communicate in both written and oral forms with patients requiring basic information, peers, other professionals, and staff.
  • general and bio-sciences
    • describe basic principles of chemistry, biology, psychology, general anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, pharmacology, histology, embryology;
    • describe advanced principles in head, neck and oral anatomy; head, neck and oral physiology; gnathology; gerontology; psychology; periodontology; pathology; and microbiology.
  • removable dental prosthetic sciences
    • describe the theoretical basis of prosthetic care;
    • demonstrate the tasks required to complete clinical and laboratory requirements of practice including documentation, treatment planning, and selection of appropriate dental materials.
  • principles of critical analysis
    • demonstrate skill in self-evaluation, problem solving, self-reflection, and constructive criticism.
  • clinical skills
    • demonstrate tasks related to the clinical practice of denturism.
  • laboratory skills
    • demonstrate tasks related to the laboratory practice of denturism.
  • patient management skills
    • demonstrate skill in managing patients from differing socio-economic, cultural, and generational backgrounds;
    • manage the referral of patients to appropriate health care providers as required;
    • document each interaction with patients and other health care providers;
    • maintain complete patient patient records.
  • treatment planning
    • demonstrate the ability to prepare different treatment plans for a patient;
    • estimate and explain the potential for success based on proposed differing treatments.
  • sterilization and infection control
    • demonstrate aseptic techniques and environmental controls to ensure adequate hygienic environment.

This section contains the College code of ethics. This code forms part of the bylaws, but is presented separately in this section due to its importance to all registrants. 

General

Every registrant is charged with the duty to uphold the honour and dignity of the profession of denturism and to adhere strictly to the principles set forth in this code.

The profession is given the privilege of self-governance under the Act and, accordingly, registrants must understand the Act, the regulations, and the bylaws and must strictly observe or perform their duties and obligations thereunder.

To uphold and advance the honour and dignity of the profession and its high standards of ethical conduct, registrants must:

  • be honest and impartial in serving their patients, the public and their profession;
  • strive to increase the competence and status of their profession;
  • use their knowledge and skill to improve the health and well-being of their patients and the public; and
  • respect the dignity and professional status of, and professional relationships with, their colleagues.

Duty to the Public

The duty of the registrants to the public includes:

  • educating the public in the promotion of oral and removable prosthodontic health, but presentations for such purposes must be in accordance with generally accepted professional standards and must not contravene these bylaws with respect to marketing or professional services;
  • providing leadership in community activities whose purpose is to improve the health and well being of the individual and the community;
  • publicizing any advance or discovery in any branch of removable prosthetic science in journals and professional publication; and
  • not making any statement or declaration or sign any certificate or any other document, or induce or permit a patient to sign any certificate or document which they know or ought to know to be untrue, misleading, or otherwise improper.

Duty to Patients

The duty of registrants to patients includes:

  • maintaining patient confidentiality except as may be necessary to divulge such information as contained elsewhere in these bylaws or in connection with investigations by the inquiry committee under section 33 of the Act, or except to the extent the patient has expressly agreed that the registrant may release specific information;
  • consulting and providing treatment to any member of the public or, if they are unavailable, to make alternate arrangements;
  • maintaining their knowledge of denturism; and
  • rendering treatment only in accordance with current professional standards, except that a registrant may use experimental methods and materials in treatment provided such methods and materials:
    • are within the bounds of accepted scientific criteria for well designed experiments, such as the human experimental protocol established by the University of British Columbia, for research and other studies involving human subjects in effect from time to time;
    • have been approved in writing by the College;
    • are used in accordance with the requirements set forth in that approval; and
    • are explained to patients as being experimental and the range and possible results and problems of the experiment are conveyed.

Registrants may treat patients only when they are qualified by training or experience to carry out the treatment plan. Registrants must always be willing to check their diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis by consultation with fellow practitioners or specialist in the field of dentistry or medicine pertaining to the case under consideration. Registrants must be willing to refer a patient when advisable.

Registrants must protect the health of their patients at all times by not delegating or referring any duty or procedure to a person who is not qualified to perform such duty or procedure by skill or training, or by licensure if required under the Act, the regulations or these bylaws, and by not condoning or being a party to such delegations or referrals. Registrants must ensure the actions of all personnel within their employ or control comply with the Act, the regulations, and these bylaws.

Registrants must keep adequate records of all clinical findings, diagnosis and treatment with respect to each of their patients. When a registrant who is presently treating a patient requests records for another registrant who has formerly treated the patient, the registrant must make copies of those records available to the attending registrant only where the patient has instructed that the records be transmitted and has given his/her consent for their release.

A registrant who is providing service to the former patient of another registrant should make every effort to obtain a copy of the patient’s records from the previous registrant.

Duty to the Profession

The duty of registrants to the profession includes:

  • supporting and providing advancement of the profession; and
  • providing the highest standard of care and accepting full responsibility for treatments provided.

Duty to Colleagues

Registrants should not:

  • comment or pass judgement on the qualifications of, or procedures rendered by, other registrants unless
    • such comment is in the best interests of the patient’s health and well being;
    • the registrant has been subpoenaed as a witness and is testifying under oath.
  • compete for patients or professional services by methods which would adversely affect the honour, dignity, or credibility of the profession; or
  • compare their professional competence to that of other registrants.

In the event of a consultation, registrants should render only the treatment which was specifically requested.

Read the summary document here. >>

On February 24, 2020, the Ministry of Health announced amendments to the regulations (scope of practice statements) for dental hygienists, dental technicians, denturists and dentists. One significant change that may affect the provision of services provided by denturists is the amended definition of prescription.

The Denturists Regulation now defines a prescription as “an authorization, issued by a person who is authorized under the Act to prescribe a partial denture or overdenture, to dispense a partial denture or overdenture for use by a named individual”.

What is an authorization?

An authorization is permission or authority to do something.

Who is authorized to prescribe a partial denture or overdenture?

Dentists are authorized under the Health Professions Act to prescribe a partial denture or overdenture as part of the patient’s treatment plan. The dentist and denturist must work collaboratively to ensure the treatment options are appropriate.

Prescription Guidance

1.    Prescriptions for dispensing a partial denture or overdenture to a patient may be written or verbal.

The authorization can be provided by a written prescription from the dentist for the patient or over the phone following the collaborative care discussions between the dentist and the denturist.

2.    Prescriptions must be based on collaborative discussion and decision- making amongst the patient and the oral healthcare team.

The decision to prescribe a partial denture or overdenture will be based on collaborative discussion and decision-making amongst the patient, the denturist and the dentist. This process will serve to enhance collaborative care amongst the entire dental team. Collaborative care includes pre-treatment assessment of the patient and review of the patient’s medical record by all parties, and determination through discussion between the denturist and dentist of the patient’s needs for and expectation of the partial or overdenture. The denturist and the dentist each must take responsibility according to their scope of practice.

If the prescription requires a dental technician to assist with the development of a partial denture or overdenture, the dental technician must review the prescription and be included in the discussion with the rest of the oral healthcare team and the patient.

3.    Oral healthcare providers must have the education, knowledge and skills to authorize and fill the prescription.

When a dentist creates a prescription, they must only authorize or request procedures with which they are familiar. This ensures that they are aware that the authorization or request is reasonable under the prevailing conditions, and that they would be able to assist with the management of circumstances that may occur during the completion of the prescription. If they are unfamiliar with the procedures or conditions potentially addressed by the prescription, the dentist should refer the patient to a practitioner with experience providing that service.

When a denturist receives a prescription, they must confirm that they understand the content of the prescription, and that they have the education, training, acquired skills, equipment and materials to undertake that portion of the work or treatment for which they will be responsible. If a denturist does not have the required competencies, they should refer the patient to another practitioner with experience providing that service.

4.    Denturists must examine the patient to ensure they are in suitable condition for treatment.

The denturist must examine the patient to ensure they are in suitable condition for the treatment to be undertaken. Where circumstances appear to be unsuitable for placement of a prosthesis, a discussion with the prescribing dentist is necessary. For example:

  • teeth that appear to have been inadequately prepared to receive a partial denture;
  • the presence of mobile teeth that have not been stabilized; or
  • inflamed oral tissues that have not been sufficiently prepared for receipt of a removable prosthesis.

A dentist may choose to issue a prescription for a given patient to cover a specific timeframe (e.g. three to six months). If this is the case, it is expected that the denturist will review, update and document the patient’s medical status as well as revisit and determine the need for the partial denture or overdenture prior to dispensing. The denturist must engage the prescribing dentist in discussion should any changes be required.

5.    Patient records must include thorough documentation of those discussions and decisions, including the authorization by the dentist.

It is expected the patient’s treatment record will include:

  • The name of the denturist and dentist involved in the treatment.
  • The type of denture being prescribed.
  • The reason and/or rationale for the need to prescribe the partial denture or overdenture.
  • Documentation about the prescription. If the dentist provides a verbal prescription, the denturist must document this in the patient record and sign it. If the dentist has provided a written prescription for the patient, a signed copy must be included in the patient’s record.
  • Any modifications to the prescription, whether written or verbal.

Reference documents:

  • Ministerial Order M041 with amendments to regulations for Dental Hygienists, Dental Technicians, Dentists and Denturists (February 24, 2020)
  • Health Professions Act: Denturists Regulation

On February 24, 2020, the Ministry of Health announced amendments to the regulations (scope of practice statements) for denturists. One significant change that may affect the provision of services by denturists is the definition of fit, specifically implant overdentures.

It is important to note that the guidance is to be referenced alongside the denturist regulations and interpretive guidance for the definition of prescription. These three documents make up the standards, limits and conditions for implant overdentures to ensure high quality practice and protection of the public.

The Denturist Regulation now defines fit as “means to perform any non-surgical intra-oral procedure related to dispensing a denture, including the making of impressions”.

What is an overdenture?

An overdenture means a dental prosthesis that replaces natural teeth, is removable by the patient and is (a) attached to or supported by implants, or (b) attached to, supported by or covers retained roots or natural teeth.

A registrant in the course of practising denturism may dispense or fit an overdenture but only for the purpose of implementing a prescription.

Implant Overdenture Guidance

  1. To provide an implant overdenture, the denturist will work in collaboration with the oral health care team. These members may include but are not limited to a denturist, dentist, dental lab technician or hygienist.
  2. The denturist shall have knowledge of the principles of the osseointegration process and the prosthetic phases of treatment in order that the standards of practice and professional responsibility are maintained.
  3. The denturist would perform the procedures required for the dispensing of an implant overdenture in accordance with all appropriate and reasonable practice standards.
  4. The denturist is able to unscrew and place healing caps, abutments and implant bars if there is no need to cut into the tissue.

Educational Requirements

  1. Prior to performing any implant procedures, denturists involved in implant overdenture fabrication shall take comprehensive courses which are recognized by the British Columbia College of Oral Health Professionals and
    1. conducted by persons who have had formal training and experience performing implant services and procedures;
    2. one that has a participation component; and
    3. one that teaches methods that have been shown to be successful as a result of investigative basic science and by long term scientific studies.
  2. It is recommended that denturists complete a recognized radiographic pattern recognition

Professional Records

Denturist records should include:

  1. Names of the members of the implant oral health care team
  2. Copies of all related correspondence
  3. Prosthodontic notes which should include the procedures performed as well as
    • implant manufacturer;
    • number, location, size and type of implants;
    • size and type of abutment used;
    • type of overdenture fabricated;
    • type of connection (locator, implant bar);
    • all components placed in the patient’s

Professional Responsibilities

  1. The denturist must recognize the need to refer the patient to an oral health care team member on the first signs of abnormalities.
  2. It is the joint responsibility of the dentist and denturist to use components which have been approved by Health Prosthetic components used by the denturist must be compatible with the implants and appropriate techniques must be used to restore those implants.
  3. The denturist should educate the patient on denture and implant maintenance and aftercare.

Policy/Guideline Statements

Rationale

To clarify BCCOHP’s bylaws and ensure that advertisements are honest, truthful and transparent.

The bylaws state,

  • Any marketing undertaken or authorized by a registrant in respect of the registrant’s professional services must not be
    • false or inaccurate,
    • reasonably expected to mislead the public,
    • unverifiable
    • misrepresentative of the effectiveness of any technique, procedure, instrument or device,
    • contrary to the public interest or the ethical standards of the profession, or
    • in bad taste, offensive, self laudatory, or otherwise contrary to the honour and dignity of the profession or maintenance of a high standard of professionalism.
  • Without limitation, marketing violates subsection (2) if it
    • is calculated or likely to take advantage of the weakened state, either physical, mental or emotional, of the recipient or intended recipient,
    • is likely to create in the mind of the recipient or intended recipient an unjustified expectation about the services the registrant can perform or provide results which the registrant can achieve,
    • implies that the registrant can obtain results
      • not achievable by other registrants,
  • compares the quality of services provided by the registrant with those provided by
    • another registrant
  • (4) A registrant who, in any advertisement, includes a statement of fees for a specific service
    • (e) must not compare the fees charged by the registrant with those charged by another registrant or registrants of another college.

Policy Statements

Below are policy statements on the following topics:

  • Logo
  • Superiority of Skills or Exclusivity of Technique
  • Use of the term ‘implant’
  • Years of Experience
  • Services of a Health Professional
  • Use of Coupons and/or Discounts

Logo

  • The Registrar approves requests from registrants and third parties to use BCCOHP corporate logo.
  • Registrants and third parties wishing to use BCCOHP corporate logo must apply to the Registrar in writing, describing how and for what purposes the logo will be used.
  • No registrant or third party can use BCCOHP corporate logo for advertising or marketing products or services. Permission may be granted to a third party to promote an event that is sanctioned by BCCOHP.
  • A registrant or third party granted permission to use the logo must forward a copy of the resource on which the BCCOHP corporate logo is to be used to BCCOHP’s Registrar or their designate.

The corporate logo includes the use of visual identity, as well as the name of the British Columbia College of Oral Health Professionals.

Superiority of Skills or Exclusivity of Technique

Words that denote superiority of skills or exclusivity of technique are unacceptable.

Examples include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Best price
  • Eliminate sore spots
  • Exceptional implant dentures
  • New standard of care
  • State of the Art …
  • Superb fit
  • Top of the line
  • ____’s choice

Use of the term “implant”

The term “implant” must be used in conjunction with “denture” or type of dental prosthesis.

Examples

ACCEPTABLE

UNACCEPTABLE

“Dentures Over Implants”

“Implants”

“Implant Dentures”

“Implant Specialist”

Implant Overdentures”

“Implant Denture Specialist”

“Implant Supported Dentures / Prostheses”

“Implant Centre/Center”

Transition Provisions

In a September 17, 2011 motion, the Board grandfathered the use of the term “Implant Center/Centre” at five existing clinics where the registrant-owners were already using the term in the clinic’s business name. As long as the business name for any one of those five clinics includes the term “Implant Center/Centre”, the Board’s motion prohibits use of that name at a different location or with a different clinic and prohibits the sale of the name for use by any other registrant.

Years of Experience

Any and all advertisements that state a number of years of experience must include specific information regarding that experience.

Please note that proof is required.

Examples

ACCEPTABLE

UNACCEPTABLE

1)  A registrant with six years of experience as a Dental Technician and three years of experience as a denturist.

Six years of experience as a Dental Technician and three years of experience as a Denturist.

Six years of experience

Six years of experience as a dental professional

2)  A denture clinic that has been in operation since 1972.

In business since 1972

“’42 years’ experience” under the following circumstances:

  • The registrant has been licensed for less than 42 years, or
  • The number indicates the combined years of experience of all the registrants in the office, or
  • The clinic has been in business for 42 years

Services of a Health Professional

Services outside the scope of Denturists may be advertised, however only under the strict condition that they must clearly identify which designated health professional provides the service.

Use of Coupons and/or Discounts

Coupons and/or discounts are a contravention of BCCOHP’s bylaws.

Rationale

Infection prevention and control is an important part of safe patient care. BCCOHP’s practice standards state,

A registrant must demonstrate, at all times, a level of knowledge which ensures the adequate protection of the public. Areas of requisite knowledge are:

  • sterilization and infection control
    • demonstrate aseptic techniques and environmental controls to ensure adequate hygienic environment.

Denturists must maintain the standards of practice of the profession and, accordingly, must ensure that appropriate infection prevention and control procedures are carried out in their practices.

Policy Statement

The British Columbia College of Oral Health Professionals has adopted the Denturist Association of Canada’s infection control recommendations as the acceptable standards for infection prevention and control in a denturist’s practice.

Rationale

It is the responsibility of the British Columbia of Oral Health Professionals (BCCOHP) to ensure that the public receives denturist services free from professional misconduct of a sexual nature, and that each patient is treated with respect.

Professional Environment

Professional misconduct of a sexual nature is prohibited by law under the Criminal Code, the Canadian Human Rights Act, the BC Human Rights Code and by the professional standards and guidelines of BCCOHP.

BCCOHP believes that the professional environment must protect the dignity and self-esteem of patients who seek the services of a registrant of BCCOHP, and must be free from misconduct of a sexual nature.

What Constitutes Professional Misconduct of a Sexual Nature?

Professional misconduct of a sexual nature includes unwelcome sexual attention, sexual solicitation or other sexually-oriented remarks or behaviour. It may be written, verbal, physical or psychological in nature. Both males and females may be the subject of sexual misconduct by members of either sex. Examples are:

  •  sexual gestures or expressions;
  • leering or staring, particularly at intimate areas;
  • sexually suggestive remarks, innuendoes and jokes about a person’s sex life, appearance or sexual attractiveness;
  • persistent unwelcome contact, such as standing close or brushing against a person unnecessarily;
  • hugging, kissing or touching without a person’s permission; and
  • sexual assault.
Policy Statement

The registrant-patient relationship is built on trust. The patient trusts that the registrant will treat them in a professional manner.

Sexual involvement of any kind is unacceptable in the registrant-patient relationship, even if the patient consents. BCCOHP does not condone romantic or sexual relationships between registrant and a current patient.

A Serious Offence

BCCOHP considers professional misconduct of a sexual nature to be a serious offence. It is subject to the full range of disciplinary measures available to BCCOHP, including fines and/or suspension.

Complaints concerning professional misconduct of a sexual nature will be investigated by the Inquiry Committee and any other necessary organization, such as the Police.

Filing a Complaint

Any complaint about a registrant of BCCOHP concerning professional misconduct of a sexual nature should be submitted to this page.

All formal allegations or complaints of sexual misconduct received will be dealt with in a fair, unbiased and timely manner with due consideration for the rights and responsibilities of everyone involved.

Rationale

The purpose of continuing education is to ensure continued competence.

It is the responsibility of each registrant to ensure that continuing education courses, programs and activities reflect the purpose of continuing education, and when in doubt, to seek approval prior to participation. Also, it is the responsibility of each registrant to ensure that credit hours are accurately reported to the College.

In some instances, however, BCCOHP may certify a course, program or activity and assign continuing education credits in advance. Under some conditions, BCCOHP may also allow individuals or organizations who sponsor a course, program or activity to report on a registrant’s behalf.

Policy Statement

Pre-Approval of a Continuing Education Course, Program or Activity

In order to ensure acceptance, a registrant planning to participate in, or an individual or organization planning to offer, a continuing education course, program or activity should request a review in advance of its being taken or offered. The request for pre-approval must be accompanied by the following information about the course, program or activity:

  • relevance to the practice of denturism;
  • objectives or competencies to be achieved;
  • number of hours;
  • name and address of sponsoring organization or individual;
  • qualifications of all persons involved in teaching, guiding or leading;
  • affiliation and interest of sponsoring individual or organization; date, place and time.

Certification of a Continuing Education Course, Program or Activity

BCCOHP can certify a course, program or activity as approved and assign it continuing education credits. Notification of certification may be used by the sponsor to inform potential attendees that a course, program or activity is approved and requires no additional review by BCCOHP.

To seek a certification review of a course, program or activity, a registrant or the individual or organization sponsoring the course, program or activity requests a certification review. The information listed above under “Pre-Approval of a Continuing Education Course, Program or Activity” must be submitted to the College. In addition, the method of registering attendees must be described.

Criteria for Approval or Certification of a Continuing Education Course, Program or Activity

BCCOHP uses the following criteria to determine whether or not to approve or certify a course, program or activity and the number of continuing education credits to assign to it:

  •  degree of relevance of the course, program or activity to continued competency;
  •  degree to which the course, program or activity meets objectives or achieves competencies;
  •  qualifications of the individuals teaching the course or program or leading the activity;
  •  affiliation or interest of the sponsoring individual or organization.

Evidence of Certification

BCCOHP will provide a letter advising of the outcome of the certification review. When pre-approval has been granted, the letter suggests that it and a copy of these guidelines be displayed to inform registrants of the pre-approval and procedures to follow.

Duration of Certification

A course, program or activity retains its certification for a period of 3 years from the date of certification. BCCOHP may withdraw its certification at any time if the course, program or activity has changed the conditions under which the course, program or activity was approved for certification.

Submission of Proof of Attendance by a Registrant

A registrant must submit a signed receipt verifying attendance at the specific course, program or activity for which credit is being sought.

For conferences or larger programs, verification by an instructor of the actual session for which credit is being sought is required.

Submission of Proof of Attendance by Other than a Registrant

BCCOHP will accept proof of attendance from an individual or organization other than a registrant in cases where BCCOHP has authorized the individual or organization to submit this information. Proof of attendance is a signed copy of the register of a course, program or activity for which credit is being sought. The register must include an attendee’s signature at the beginning and end of the course, program or activity. The registrant should ensure that the individual or organization has been authorized by the College to submit proof of attendance on their behalf.

Forms

Forms for applying for continuing education credits are available through BCCOHP.

Rationale

The British Columbia College of Oral Health Professionals’ (BCCOHP) guidelines for educational activities stipulate that educational activity leaders and product educators/demonstrators must be qualified in order for registrants to receive approval for the educational activity. The quality assurance committee reviews qualifications on request.

Policy Statement

The following criteria are used. Educational Activity Leaders must:

  • be members in good standing with BCCOHP or with an
  • acceptable regulatory body elsewhere in Canada or the United States;
  • demonstrate an understanding of educational objectives and processes;
  • be recognized as competent, ethical and reliable.

Product Educators/Demonstrators must:

  • provide verification from the manufacturer of the product that they are qualified to demonstrate the product;
  • be recognized as competent, ethical and reliable.

Rationale

To ensure that registrants of the British Columbia College of Oral Health Professionals (BCCOHP) meet the standards related to patient recordkeeping. In addition, for registrants to review their current recordkeeping practices to confirm they comply with the recommendations outlined in this Guideline.

Guideline Statement

Registrants must meet the professional, ethical and legal patient recordkeeping requirements as outlined in BCCOHP’s bylaws. Specifically, it states:

  • For each patient a registrant must make and keep contemporaneous records that include
    • (a)    a dated entry for each time the patient was seen,
    • (b)    all particulars of a physical examination,
    • (c)     a description of any investigation ordered and the results of same,
    • (d)    a description of all diagnoses made,
    • (e)    a description of proposed treatment,
    • (f)      a description of actual treatment provided, and
    • (g)    a statement of account or other record of financial transaction.

To ensure that proper patient records are being kept, registrants should adhere to the following principles:

  • Each entry must be dated and written in permanent ink or be in an acceptable electronic format.
  • All written information must be
  • Entries are not to be altered, but added as an amendment with changes/corrections, date of amendment and signature/initials.
  • Sign or initial after each entry, whether electronic or paper
  • Do not write offensive or gratuitous Only include information that is relevant to the patient record.
  • Document the following (at minimum):
    • treatment plan and estimated cost of the treatment
    • risks or limitations of the treatment
    • all discussions and decisions that were made
    • relevant medical history
    • patient progress
    • investigations and results
    • consent and referrals

Confidentiality and Security

Under the Personal Information Protection Act (PIPA) of BC, rules and procedures have been established for the collection, use and care of patient personal information.

Section 7.02 of CDBC’s bylaws state that you must collect, dispose, and disclose patient information in accordance with PIPA, maintain the confidentiality of patient information, and ensure it is safely and securely stored and disposed of.

Registrants must keep patient records for a period of 16 years from the date of the last recorded entry.

Disclosure of Patient Records

Personal information or records of a patient cannot be disclosed unless:

  • you have express consent from the patient
  • you are required to disclose by the Court
  • you are required to disclose by statute
  • it is in the interest of public safety

Personal Protection

The presence of complete, up-to-date and accurate patient records are vital in protecting registrants and their practice against a complaint or clinical negligence.

Governance of Denturists

This section provides a brief history of denturist governance and a graphic representation of the legal framework for denturist practice in British Columbia.

Introduction

Effective December 5, 1995, governance of denturists in British Columbia was repealed from the Dental Technicians and Denturists Act and established under the Health Professions Act. The governing body created under the authority of this Act is the British Columbia College of Oral Health Professionals.

Responsibility for “self-regulation” by a profession has been delegated by government to members of that profession with the understanding that they have the specific expertise to govern appropriately. The privilege of setting one’s own rules emphasizes the important responsibility of ensuring that risk to the public is minimized.

Health Professions Act

The Health Professions Act, passed in 1990, provides legislation under which health professions will regulate themselves in this province. It allows for the establishment of colleges, sets out the responsibilities of boards of those colleges, and provides general direction regarding requirements for governing the members of the profession.

The Health Professions Act establishes the Health Professions Council. The Council is specifically tasked with the responsibility of reviewing any health profession applying to be regulated under this Act and recommending to the Minister of Health whether or not it is in the public interest for that health profession to be designated under this Act.

The Health Professions Council also may recommend to the Minister of Health the services that are allowed to be performed by a health profession and limitations on the performance of these services by registrants of that health profession. A copy of the Health Professions Act may be found in Section 10 of this handbook.

Denturists Regulation

On recommendation of the Minister of Health, the Lieutenant Governor in Council may, by regulation, designate a health profession under the Health Professions Act. This regulation is specific to each health profession and may prescribe the name used by the body as well as the services that registrants may perform, including limitations and conditions on these services. A copy of the Denturists Regulation may be found in Section 10 of this page.

Bylaws

Each college designated by regulation under the Health Professions Act is required to create bylaws for the operation of the college. The Health Professions Act specifically lists the areas and tasks these bylaws may regulate for the college. Bylaws require approval by the Lieutenant Governor in Council by an Order in Council.

These bylaws establish the operational framework of the governing board, and include the duties and responsibilities of the board, qualifications required by registrants, investigation and discipline of registrants, standards of practice, and code of ethics. Registrants are encouraged to become familiar with these bylaws. The most current version is to be kept in Section 9 of this handbook.

Freedom of Information/Protection of Privacy Act

The College is a public body under this Act. Many documents are public and releasable under this Act. Public documents are available from the College’s website. If documentation that you wish is not available there, please submit a written request to the Registrar indicating the records you are requesting.

Legal Framework for the Practice of Denturism

Health Professions Act

Legislation that allows denturists, as a health profession, to be self-regulated.

Describes the duties and responsibilities of a college to the public and to the registrants.

Denturists Regulation

Legislation which designates the BCCOHP as the governing body for denturists under the Health Professions Act.

Establishes the services and limitations on services provided by the denturist profession.

BCCOHP Bylaws

Governs the operation of the BCCOHP as well as the registration and licensure of denturists in British Columbia.

Freedom of Information/Protection of Privacy Act

The College is a public body under this Act.

Governs the operation of the BCCOHP as well as the registration and licensure of denturists in British Columbia.

As of September 1, 2022 – the College of Dental Hygienists of BC, College of Dental Surgeons of BC, College of Dental Technicians of BC, College of Denturists of BC becomes…