To serve and protect the public interest, the College of Dental Hygienists of Nova Scotia (CDHNS), by statutory authority, regulates the profession of dental hygiene through registration, licensing, and discipline processes. It is governed by the Nova Scotia Dental Hygienists Act and Regulations. The CDHNS, as the dental hygiene regulatory body appointed by the Government of Nova Scotia, grants the Registered Dental Hygienist (RDH) designation and authorizes a dental hygienist to legally practice in Nova Scotia.
The Act and the Regulations give the CDHNS the authority (and mandate) to perform a variety of regulatory functions, including determining who is qualified to practice dental hygiene; setting and administering standards of practice; and managing complaints, investigations and hearing processes, in accordance with the Act, Regulations, and other applicable legislation and policies.
The objects of the Dental Hygienists Act of Nova Scotia provide that, subject to its regulatory function, the College may also advance and promote the profession of dental hygiene. This mandate is addressed through membership services that include supporting continuing education, research, alternate practice, and increased access to care.
The CDHNS has over 800 registrants. Both the CDHNS and individual dental hygienists work with government, provincial and national associations, public agencies, post-secondary institutions and Nova Scotians, to improve overall health.
The CDHNS is accountable to the public, the dental hygiene profession, and its registrants. We promote and support equitable access to quality dental hygiene care for all Nova Scotians.