ePortfolio, Master of Health Studies program
Athabasca University
The Dental Hygiene Profession
My Identity and Values
The Canadian Dental Hygienists Association (CDHA) defines dental hygiene as "a health profession involving theory and evidence-based practice...[that] draw[s] on biomedical, social, and behavioural sciences, and the body of dental hygiene knowledge. The
practice of dental hygiene involves collaboration with clients, other health
professionals, and society to achieve and maintain optimal oral health, an
integral part of well-being." (CDHA, 2002)
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A Registered Dental Hygienist (RDH) is a primary oral health care provider who can be found in various roles including:
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As a Registered Dental Hygienist in Nova Scotia, I standby the values of my profession as stated by the College of Dental Hygienists of Nova Scotia (CDHNS) which include:
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Educational Institutions
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Research
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Public Health and Policy
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Private Practice
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Hospitals
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Long-term Care Facilities
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Accountability and support to members
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Excellence in care
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Ethical decision-making
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Interprofessional and interagency collaboration
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Accountability to the public
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Equitable access to health care
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Sound resource management
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Professional integrity
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Interprovincial and national collaboration (College of Dental Hygienists of Nova Scotia, 2019)
College of Dental Hygienists of Nova Scotia (CDHNS)
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Provincial regulatory body that promotes integrity of dental hygiene practices for the public.
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Useful public links to learn more about RDHs in Nova Scotia include:
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Canadian Dental Hygienists Association (CDHA)
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National licensing body for Registered Dental Hygienists in Canada.
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Useful public links to learn more about RDHs in Canada include:
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Provincial Health Department
Nova Scotia Department of Health and Wellness
The purpose of the Nova Scotia Department of Health and Wellness (DHW) is to provide programs and services that protect and promote health, as well as prevent and treat illness and injury for Nova Scotians. As a Registered Dental Hygienist practicing in Nova Scotia, my involvement with the DHW is through government funded dental programs.
In the private practice setting, I provide preventative dental hygiene care to patients enrolled in these programs. Additional information and links can be found on my