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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.
We are currently in the design and development phase of building a modernized Quality Assurance Program for oral health professionals.
As part of this work, 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 remains to build a Quality Assurance Program that is:
While this work is underway, BCCOHP’s Quality Assurance Committee directed early changes to the quality assurance programs for dental hygienists and denturists. These changes are intended to begin aligning the legacy Programs toward equity and consistency, while continuing to prioritize patient safety. As development continues, additional changes may be identified.
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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