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VICTORIA – Dental hygienists who received their training outside of Canada will find it easier to practice their profession in British Columbia following amendments to the bylaws made under the Health Professions Act, announced Health Services Minister Colin Hansen.
“As with all health professionals, we are working to find ways to recruit and retain dental hygienists in British Columbia. Changes to existing bylaws will allow internationally qualified and competent dental hygienists to work in the province,” said Hansen. “Internationally educated health care providers such as dental hygienists bring a wide range of skills, experience and knowledge to our health sector. The changes improve access to oral health by creating a win-win situation for patients and dental hygienists.”
The Health Professions Act is the law that authorizes the establishment of colleges to regulate designated health professions, including dental hygiene. Amendments made by the College of Dental Hygienists of B.C. to their bylaws, and approved by the government, include a modification of registration requirements that will allow dental hygienists to register upon successful completion of the National Dental Hygiene Certification Board exam, a clinical exam and other upgrading programs.
“The college is pleased to have the support of government for these changes,” said Cynthia Johansen, registrar of the College of Dental Hygienists of British Columbia. “Right now we have applicants who are qualified in other countries waiting to register. The changes approved today give these people the opportunity to practice their chosen profession in B.C.”
As prevention professionals, the 2,020 dental hygienists currently registered help British Columbians maintain healthy teeth and gums, and provide important information on the links between oral health and total wellbeing.
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