Legislative Information and Standards of Practice

Dental Hygienists Act receives Proclamation May 15, 2009

Dental Hygenists Act

Dental Hygienists Regulations, effective May 15, 2009, includes Schedule A

Approved Regulations: including Required Protocol Schedule A
(Schedule A: Suggested Protocol for Authorizing Dental Hygienists to Perform Procedures for those who have not been authorized to engage in self-directed clinical practice.)

Bylaws, as approved by Council Sept 29, 2018

Bylaws

Standards of Practice, as approved by Council, including Council Approved Position Statements and Best Practice Documents

Practice Standards

Code of Ethics

NS Oral Health (DH DD DT) Joint Infection Prevention & Control Practice Standards, Effective March 1, 2023

CDHNS Continuing Competency Program Requirements (Updated Jan 1, 2023)

CDHNS Practice Standards: Virtual Dental Hygiene Services for CDHNS Practising Registrants (Approved by CDHNS Council May 27, 2021)

CDHNS Local Anaesthetic Policies

CDHNS DH Orthodontic Procedures Policies and Requirements for Authorization 

CDHNS Permanent Restorative Procedures Policy and Requirements for Authorization

Use of Fluoride in Caries Prevention

CDHNS Best Practices Self Initiation Approved June 2009 - Self-initiation means the dental hygienist determines when it is appropriate to proceed with dental hygiene care. It is synonymous with the term "self-directed clinical practice". Both terms are found in the Dental Hygienists Act and Regulations. Full details are found in the Best Practices document.

CDHNS Best Practices Record Keeping Approved June 2009 - This document is slated for review. Since this document was last approved by the CDHNS Council, the Personal Health Information Act (PHIA) for Nova Scotia came into force (June 1, 2013). This provincial law governs the collection, use, disclosure, retention, disposal, and destruction of personal health information. The Act recognizes both the right of individuals to protect their personal health information and the need of custodians to collect, use, and disclose personal health information to provide, support, and manage health care.  

Other Legislation:

Nova Scotia Regulated Health Professions Network Act

Nova Scotia Personal Health Information Act

Nova Scotia Patient Access to Care Act (Royal Assent April 12, 2023) - Regulations still under development