Public Protection
Bill 87 Update - the Protecting Patients Act: On May 30th, 2017 the Protecting Patients Act was passed in the Ontario Legislature. This legislation amended several statutes including the Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991. You can view the government’s news release here.
Only registered members of the College are authorized to practise denturism in Ontario.
As mandated by provincial legislation that includes the Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991 (RHPA) and the Denturism Act, 1991, the College of Denturists of Ontario (CDO) is responsible for regulating the practice of denturism in the public interest.
As with all regulated health care professions, the profession of denturism is regulated according to a self-regulatory model. This means that the government entrusts the profession with the responsibility to develop and enforce standards, policies and legislation that govern the profession and its members. In exchange for this privilege, the profession must ensure that the regulations are developed with the public interest at the forefront.
The CDO protects the public by:
- setting standards of practice for the profession
- setting entry to practice requirements for Denturists
- ensuring continuing professional development of Denturists
- conducting practice assessments to ensure standards are met
- holding Denturists accountable for their conduct and/or actions
The College has a formal complaint process which gives everyone the right to have his/her complaint investigated by the Inquiries, Complaints and Reports Committee (ICRC).
Patient Safety
The College aims to provide patient protection and ensure safe, ethical and competent denturism care. To do that, the College has authority around:
- Registration
Sets rigorous education requirements for Denturists and works with teaching colleges to ensure programs cover the core competencies. The College issues a certificate of registration to applicants who have met all registration requirements, authorizing them to practise the profession of denturism in Ontario.
- Professional Practice
Develops and enforces standards of practice, policies, guidelines and the code of ethics to which all Denturists adhere.
- Quality Assurance
Develops and maintains a member’s knowledge, skill and judgement to promote continuing competency and improvement among Denturists.
- Complaints
Responds to and investigates, in a fair manner, complaints from the public concerning care.
- Discipline
Conducts hearings for members who have been referred by the Inquiries, Complaints and Reports Committee (ICRC) related to allegations of professional misconduct or incompetence.
- Public Register
Lists all registered Denturists with the College, with specific information about them and their practices.
Your Rights
As a patient you are entitled to care that meets or exceeds the standards of the profession. You have the right to:
- Clear information - ask your Denturist to explain the available denture options, including the features and characteristics of each. Ensure that all your questions are answered
- Confidentiality - you can be assured that all of your personal information is kept confidential by your Denturist and his/her staff
- A Complaint Process - talk to your Denturist if you are not satisfied with your services or care. If your concerns are unresolved, you can, file a formal complaint with the College