This is the fifth in our six-part email series for oral health professionals about BCCOHP’s Professional Standards for the Oral Health Team (Professional Standards) which came into effect on June 30, 2025.
The Professional Standards are organized by six overarching principles, which underpin ethical decision-making in oral health care. This email series is designed to help oral health professionals understand the Professional Standards more deeply by highlighting each of the six principles over a number of weeks.
Principle #5: Collaborate in the patient’s interest
As an oral health professional, you must collaborate and communicate effectively within the oral health team and with other health providers, understand and respect each team member’s role, and appropriately refer, accept authorize or delegate care to best support the patient’s interests.
Learn more about principle 5 by watching this short video >>
Q&A: Principles in practice
Since the Professional Standards came into force on June 30, 2025, our team of professional advisors have received a variety of questions related to principle 5. We are sharing three questions related to principle 5 that capture the themes raised most often.
The answers shared below should be considered in combination with professional discretion and individual patient needs. BCCOHP sets expectations through high-level, broadly stated principles which give latitude to the oral health professionals we oversee to make decisions that provide safe care to patients.
While today’s email is focused on questions where the answer largely relates back to principle 5, it’s important to recognize other principles may be relevant in the responses.
Question 1: I am a dental technician. I have concerns about consistent issues with impressions I receive from a dentist. How do I constructively communicate my concerns?
Answer: You may not understand the circumstances behind the issue, and, therefore, it is important to avoid making assumptions or conclusions. A culture of open communication starts with respect and gathering information in order to determine what the problem is. By working collaboratively, you support each other to solve the issue and ensure better outcomes for your patients. Patients expect that their oral health team will work together to support their care. See sections under Standards 5.1 and 5.2 for more information on how to work collaboratively and communicate effectively with members of the health team.
Question 2: I’m currently taking the dental radiography module but haven’t received the certificate yet. The dental hygienist at my office says it is okay to place the film in the patient’s mouth, and they will ‘press the button’ to expose the radiograph. They don’t need to check the film placement. I don’t feel comfortable. What do I do?
Answer: If another health professional delegates or authorizes an aspect of practice that you are not qualified to do, you must not accept the delegation or authorization. Performing an activity that is not within your qualifications or scope may lead to negative outcomes for your patient. Patients expect that they will be treated by qualified professionals. See sections under Standard 5.3 for further information.
Question 3: I am a dental hygienist. My patient recently had a heart attack and has a complex medical history. How do I manage collaborative care when there are additional health risks?
Answer: In email 2 of this series, we discussed how managing additional health risks falls under principles 1, 2 and 5. You may wish to review Standard 1.5 (Provide care that considers your patient’s overall health and well-being) and Standard 2.3 (Provide care that is appropriate and clinically acceptable for your patient’s needs and prevents avoidable harm).
When you recognize additional health risks, it is important to communicate openly with your patient’s relevant health providers. This may include discussing any health concerns that impact your care, and referring as needed to support your patient’s overall health. Your patients expect that you are working collaboratively with their health providers to support their care. See sections under Standard 5.4 for more information.
Signage toolkit for oral health facilities
A toolkit of public-facing resources (printable poster, digital slides and a foldable tent card) has been assembled for you to consider displaying in your space. These resources are designed to promote understanding of what patients can expect from their oral health team.
Background
BCCOHP’s Professional Standards for the Oral Health Team came into effect on June 30, 2025. These standards are the minimum requirements for professional and ethical performance, conduct and behaviour for oral health professionals in BC. They are the core professional and ethical requirements and apply to all aspects of oral health care and all oral health professionals.
Earlier emails in this six-part series about the Professional Standards are linked below for reference:
Principle 1 – Putting the patient’s interest first
Principle 2 – Provide safe and competent care
Principle 3 – Be culturally aware, equitable and inclusive
Principle 4 – Communicate effectively and obtain informed consent
Contact us
For more information, please reach out to BCCOHP’s Professional Advisors via our contact form >>