Dental Hygienists
The College of Dental Hygienists of Ontario (CDHO) regulates the practice of dental hygiene in the interest of the overall health and safety of the public of Ontario.
Registration Requirements
To practise as a dental hygienist in Ontario, internationally educated dental hygienists must hold a Certificate of Registration and meet the requirements set out by the CDHO. To become eligible for the Certificate of Registration, internationally educated dental hygienists must meet the following registration requirements:
- Must provide proof of completion of approved program of study in dental hygiene
- Satisfy the CDHO that there has been no finding of or current proceeding involving allegations of professional misconduct, incompetence or incapacity or any like finding, or proceeding against you that affects your fitness to practise the profession
- Satisfy the CDHO that you have not been convicted or charged with and found guilty of an offence that affects your fitness to practise the profession
- Proof of Canadian citizenship, Permanent Residency or authorization to work in Canada
- Ability to speak and write either English or French with reasonable fluency
- Completion of the National Dental Hygiene Certification Board (NDHCB) written certification and clinical competency assessment
- If you completed your dental hygiene program more than 3 years before you apply for registration with the CDHO, you must successfully complete a refresher course or professional competency assessment set or approved by the Registration Committee, unless you have been practising dental hygiene in a recognized jurisdiction
For further details, please visit the College of Dental Hygienists of Ontario website.
How the Access Centre Can Help
The Access Centre within HFO MRA can assist internationally educated dental hygienists on their path to practise by providing advisory services by appointment via telephone, in-person or Skype.
If you have previously registered as a client of the Access Centre and are seeking services offered to registered clients or have questions regarding any aspect of the licensure process, please call 416-862-2200 or toll free 1-800-596-4046 or e-mail AccessCentre@HealthForceOntario.ca.
If you are not a registered client of the Access Centre and would like detailed information on the licensing process for internationally educated respiratory therapists, please register online.
Information Sessions
Information sessions bring together groups of internationally educated health professions with a common goal. These sessions focus on various aspects of the registration process. Learn more.
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