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Resources

What's New

COVID-19 Updates and Resources

Contact Telehealth Ontario at 1-866-797-0000 or your local public health unit if you’re experiencing symptoms of COVID-19. Do not call 911 unless it is an emergency.
Updates

​July 19, 2023 - COVID-19 Guidelines Rescinded

The CDO is rescinding its COVID-19 guidance effective immediately in lock step with the three other Oral Health Profession Regulators representing Dentists, Dental Hygienists, and Dental Technologists who will also be rescinding their respective COVID-19 guidelines.

Click here for the full news release.



April 18, 2023 

The College will continue to monitor for any changes to the Denturism practice due to COVID-19 and will update this page accordingly.



August 3, 2022 - Fallow Times and Enclosed Operatories Guidance Rescinded

There has been updated guidance today for registrants of RCDSO and CDHO as it relates to fallow times and enclosed operatories that you should be aware of.

The key changes from RCDSO and CDHO includes:

  • Fallow time is no longer recommended or required following aerosol-generating procedures (AGPs) for any patient.

  • Enclosed operatories are no longer recommended or required for patients who have screened or tested negative for COVID-19

These coordinated changes reflect the reviewing of key requirements for aerosol-mitigation, including fallow times and enclosed operatories, after consultation with our regulatory partners, infectious disease experts, oral health subject matter experts, and academic program administrators.

What this means for Registered Denturists:

  • Denturists should be aware that their dental colleagues are no longer required to follow fallow time requirements and Denturists along with their dental colleagues, are no longer required to keep their operatories enclosed for patients who are not suspected or confirmed with COVID-19.
  • Denturists, Dentists, Dental Hygienist, and Dental Technologists are strongly encouraged to retain existing capacity for enclosed operatories or ensure temporary barriers can be reconstructed due to the fluctuation in the COVID-19 pandemic and new variants of concern.
  • All existing requirements for the use of personal protective equipment is maintained at this time


June 16, 2022 - Masking Update

The Ministry of Health released guidelines for Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for Health Care Workers and Health Care Entities (including oral health care facilities) to accompany the lifting of most mask mandates on June 11th. You will find that masks are still recommended for all health care workers and staff, as well as for clients with suspect or confirmed COVID-19.

As a Registered Denturist, you can use that document, along with the previously released Interim IPAC Recommendations for Use of Personal Protective Equipment for Care of Individuals with Suspect or Confirmed COVID‑19 to help guide your practice.

Denturists and their staff should always perform an individual risk assessment to determine the appropriate level of PPE required. The CDO will rely on the professional judgement of Denturists to determine the best course of routine practices and additional precautions employed to ensure the safety of their patients.

The College continues to work with the other Oral Health Profession Regulators to review existing and evolving guidance, providing timely, current, and concise information to all Registered Denturists when we can. 



June 10, 2022 - Masking Update

Tomorrow, Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health will lift most provincial masking requirement Directives and replace them with Ministry of Health guidelines for health care workers and organizations, as announced on June 8th. Denturists should continue to follow the College’s current COVID guidance as we await further CMOH guidelines for health care settings.

The College is working in lockstep with CDHO, RCDSO, and CDTO to ensure all oral healthcare professionals receive unified and orderly guidance.

The College will provide an update to Denturists and the public by e-mail and on our website once any updated guidance is released and we have had an opportunity to review it.


June 6, 2022 - Joint Statement from the Oral Health Regulators 

The CDO has partnered with Ontario's oral health regulatory Colleges to produce a COVID-19 update statement on fallow times and closed operatories.

Click here to view the joint statement.


May 13, 2022 - Ministry of Health establishes Refugee HealthLine

The Ministry of Health is supporting newly arriving refugees and people arriving through other exceptional humanitarian authorizations (e.g., Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel) by providing a toll-free, multi-lingual, Refugee HealthLine where they can connect with health care providers who deliver transitional health care and services, including primary care, specialist care, and mental health supports. Transitional care includes initial assessment(s), care, and/or referral(s) to other health services.

Refugees, Resettlement Assistance Programs, sponsors, and settlement agencies can contact the Refugee HealthLine at 1-866-286-4770 to find a matching health care provider for services funded by the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP), the Interim Federal Health Program, or through provincial programs, including but not limited to:

  • Primary care providers (e.g., Refugee Health Clinics, Community Health Centres, Family Health Teams, Nurse Practitioner-Led Clinics, midwifery practices, physician practices, walk-in clinics)
  • Specialists (e.g., obstetrics and gynaecology, paediatrics, and psychiatry)
  • Mental health service providers
  • Optometrists
The Refugee HealthLine will refer agencies/individuals to the closest providers capable of taking on eligible patients for transitional care.
 
All health care providers interested in participating should contact the Refugee HealthLine at 1-866-286-4770 to add their name, contact information, registration type (i.e., individual or clinic), address, service, number of prospective patients they are able to accommodate, length of time they are able to provide transitional care, and language(s) in which the services can be provided.


April 22, 2022 - Masking Requirements Extended to June 11, 2022 in Denture Clinics

The Chief Medical Officer of Health has extended the masking requirements for higher risk settings until June 11, 2022. Denture clinics along with all clinics that provide health care services fall under this extension order.

Click here for the news release.

 

March 23, 2022 - Oral Health Regulators Reviewing COVID-19 Guidelines

The CDO along with RCDSO, CDHO, and CDTO are working collabratively and intently on reviewing our common COVID-19 Return to Practice Guidelines to determine any iterative updates or changes necessary in light of improving public health indicators. We will provide an update when changes are made.


March 22, 2022 - Masking Mandate Remains for Health Care Settings.

With continued improvement in trends, the Government of Ontario has removed the mandatory masking requirement for most settings with the exception of select settings such as public transit, health care settings, long-term care homes and congregate care settings.

Denturism clinics are considered a health care setting, and as such, the masking requirements will remain along with the additional precautions found in the College's Guide for Return to Practice
 

March 12, 2022 - Revocation of Directive #6


Effective March 14, the Chief Medical Officer of Health will recind Directive #6 regarding COVID-19 vaccination and testing policies. The College strongly recommends that all Registered Denturists and their staff continue to be fully vaccinated unless medically exempted, in order to safe guard the wellbeing of everyone including their patients.

The College is currently reviewing the Guide for Return to Practice in collaboration with the other oral health regualtory Colleges as well as relevant public health agencies and infection prevention and control experts to comtemplate any updates. We will provide an update when changes are made.

 


March 1, 2022 - Statement from the Council of Chief Medical Officers of Health

The Council of Chief Medical Officers of Health has issued a statement on the next phase of the COVID-19 pandemic response.

Click here to view the statement.



February 11, 2022 - Directive #2 Revoked

The Chief Medical Officer of Health has revoked Directive #2 to allow the resumption of non-urgent and non-emergency surgeries and procedures in hospitals. 
 

The provision of health care services, including denturism, remains unaffectedDenture Clinics remain open as Registered Denturists continue to provide service following the procedures outlined in the Guide for Return to Practice and Infection Prevention and Control Guidelines. The College will continue to provide updates as it pertains to Registered Denturists.

For more information, please view the memo from the CMOH here.



February 1, 2022 - Directive #2 Update 

The Chief Medical Officer of Health has revised Directive #2 to allow the cautious and gradual resumption of diagnostic imaging, cancer screening and scheduled ambulatory clinics in public hospitals. 

The College confirms that the revised Directive #2 is not intended to stop the provision of routine Denturism care and services and that the scope of practice continues to remain unaffected.

Registered Denturists are reminded to strongly exercise professional judgement when providing routine Denturism services to the public to prevent any additional burdens to the health care system. Denturists should reschedule such services that may result in the use of emergency medical services or other hospital services until this directive is rescinded at such time.
 

January 10, 2022 - Directive #2 FAQs

The Ministry of Health has provided an FAQs document to accompany the revised directive by the Chief Medical Officer of Health.

Click here for the FAQs.



January 6, 2022 - Directive #2 revised by Chief Medical Officer of Health

The Chief Medical Officer of Health issued a revised Directive #2, that calls for the stopping or deferring of non-urgent, non-emergent surgeries and procedures in order to preserve health care system capacity to deal effectively with the COVID-19 Pandemic.
 
While Directive #2 applies to all regulated health professionals, including Registered Denturists, the revised Directive #2 is only intended to stop procedures that require surgical nursing support, anesthetist support, and procedures that carries a risk of resulting in the use of emergency medical services, or other hospital services due to serious intra-operative or post-operative complications.
 
The College confirms that the revised Directive #2 is not intended to stop the provision of routine Denturism care and services and that the scope of practice continues to remain unaffected.
 

 

Link to revised Directive #2 for Health Care Providers



January 3, 2022 - COVID-19 Update - Ontario Moving to Modified Step 2 of the Roadmap to Reopening

The provision of health care services, including denturism, remains unaffectedDenture Clinics remain open as Registered Denturists continue to provide service following the procedures outlined in the Guide for Return to Practice and Infection Prevention and Control Guidelines. The College will continue to provide updates as it pertains to Registered Denturists.

 

December 24, 2021 - FAQs for Directive #1 

The Ministry of Health has created an FAQs to accompany the Chief Medical Officer of Health's Directive #1. 

Directive #1 applies to all regulated health professionals including Registered Denturists.

Click here to view the FAQs.


December 24, 2021 - Directive #1 for Health Care Providers and Health Care Entities Updated

Due to the rapidly increasing daily case counts of the Omicron variant of COVID-19 in Ontario, the Chief Medical Officer of Health (CMOH) has updated Directive #1 for Health Care Providers and Health Care Entities.
 
The CMOH has issued the following revised guidance:

  • A point-of-care risk assessment (PCRA) must be performed by every health care worker before every patient interaction. This represents routine practice for Registered Denturists.
     
  • Health care workers providing direct care or interacting with a suspected, probable, or confirmed cases of COVID-19 are to use a fit-tested, seal-checked N95 respirator (or approved equivalent), eye protection (goggles or face shield), gown and gloves. While Registered Denturists do not routinely treat patients with suspected, probable or confirmed cases of COVID-19, they must conduct a point of care risk assessment to determine the use of PPE. 
 
  • Registered Denturists who have not yet been fit tested before must now make reasonable efforts to obtain fit-testing at the earliest opportunity. For Registered Denturists and their staff who are not yet fit-tested for an N95 respirator they must don a well-fitted surgical mask, a KN95 respirator, or a non-fit-tested N95 respirator (or the equivalent, as approved by Health Canada). 
 
  • If a Registered Denturist works in a multi-disciplinary environment with other oral health professionals, they should be familiar with the guidelines under which their colleagues provide care and should work collaboratively with other oral health professionals to establish common IPAC protocols, as far as possible.


Registered Denturists must continue with the routine IPAC protocols found in the College’s IPAC guidelines, and additional precautions found in the College’s Additional Precautions during COVID-19 guidelines.  

 
Click here to read Directive #1 for Health Care Providers and Health Care Entities – Revised December 17, 2021


December 20, 2021 

This page is actively monitored and will be updated with relevant COVID-19 updates as they arrive.



November 5, 2021 - COVID-19 Booster Dose Eligbility Expanded to Denturists

The Ontario government is expanding the eligibility for booster doses of the COVID-19 vaccine to regulated health professionals beginning Saturday, November 6, 2021. Registered Denturists and their staff providing in-person care and who received their second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine at least 6 months ago are eligible for a booster dose.
 
Eligible individuals will be able to book their booster dose appointment through the COVID-19 vaccination portal or by calling the Provincial Vaccine Contact Centre, directly through public health units that use their own booking systems, through Indigenous-led vaccination clinics, select pharmacies, and primary care settings.
 
Click here for the full news release.
 
Click here for the Ministry of Health’s third dose recommendations guidance document.


August 26, 2021 - Patient Screening Tool Updated

The Ministry of Health has updated the patient screening guidance document and tool to reflect the following changes:

  • Updates to reflect screening for fully immunized individuals, including a reordering of the screening questions
  • Updated symptoms list
 

The College's Additional Precautions for Denturism Practice During COVID-19 guidance document has been updated to reflect these changes. 


Click here for the updated Patient Screening Guidance Document and Tool



July 29, 2021 –  New Revisions to COVID-19 Guidelines

The College’s COVID-19 guidelines have been updated as a result of collaborative work between Ontario’s Oral Health Professions Regulators. These updates represent minor amendments to the existing guidelines and ensure consistency across the guidelines of Ontario’s oral health professions regulators:
 

  • The original document title has been revised to: Infection Prevention and Control Guidelines: Additional Precautions for Denturism Practice During the COVID-19 Pandemic. Original title: Guide for Return to Practice for Denturists During the COVID-19 Pandemic.
 
  • Guiding principles have been updated.
 
  • Registered Denturists are no longer required to take and record temperatures as part of routine screening. However, Registered Denturists may, at their own discretion, choose to continue to do so using a non-contact infrared thermometer.
 
  • Pre-procedure oral rinse guidance has been updated.
     
  • Accompanying FAQs document has been updated to reflect the revisions.
     
  • Specific guidance regarding the cleaning and disinfection of washrooms have been removed. Washroom maintenance should follow best practices as outlined in the College’s Infection Prevention and Control Guidelines – Section 4.1 Public Environmental Surfaces


Click here for the full News Release

Links to the updated documents:


May 19, 2021 –  Directive #2 for Health Care Providers Rescinded 

The Chief Medical Officer of Health has rescinded Directive #2 for Health Care Providers effective today, and non-urgent and non-emergent surgeries and procedures may gradually resume. It was first revised and reissued on April 19, 2021 in order to preserve health care system capacity to deal effectively with the COVID-19 Pandemic. 
 
The provision of denturism care and service continues to remain unaffected. Registered Denturists are reminded to provide denturism care following the procedures and principles outlined in the Guide for Return to Practice. 
 

May 13, 2021 – Ontario Government Extends Stay-At-Home Order

The Ontario Government, in consultation with the Chief Medical Officer of Health, has extended the Stay-at-Home Order until at least June 2, 2021. All public health and workplace safety measures under the current province-wide emergency brake will also remain in effect.

The provision of health care services, including denturism, remains unaffected. Registered Denturists are reminded to provide denturism care following the procedures and principles outlined in the Guide for Return to Practice

Click here for the full news release.


April 26, 2021 – CDO Update on revised Directive #2 for Health Care Providers

The College confirms that the revised Directive #2 is not intended to stop the provision of Denturism care and services and that the scope of practice continues to remain unaffected. Registered Denturists should continue to exercise professional judgement when providing Denturism services to the public to prevent any additional burdens to the health care system.

The Chief Medical Officer of Health issued a revised Directive #2 on April 19, 2021, that calls for the cessation of non-urgent, non-emergent surgeries and procedures in order to preserve health care system capacity to deal effectively with the COVID-19 Pandemic. 
 
While Directive #2 applies to all regulated health professionals, including Registered Denturists, the revised Directive #2 is only intended to stop procedures that require surgical nursing support, anesthetist support, procedures that carries a risk of resulting in the use of emergency medical services, or other hospital services due to serious intra-operative or post-operative complications.
 
Click here to access the Directive #2


Click here to access the accompanying Q&A guidance document



April 21, 2021 – Updated Directive #2 for Health Care Providers

The Chief Medical Officer of Health has issued a new Directive #2 that calls for the cessation of non-urgent, non-emergent surgeries and procedures in order to preserve health care system capacity to deal effectively with the COVID-19 Pandemic. After consultation with our regulatory partners, the College confirmed that this Directive is not intended to stop all non-urgent health care services that include the provision of Denturism care and services. 

The College and its regulatory partners are currently awaiting clarification from the Chief Medical Officer of Health to confirm any changes that may affect the provision of Denturism services and care. We will update Registered Denturists as soon as we receive further information.  For now, Denturism practice remains unchanged.



April 7, 2021 – Ontario Government Declares State of Emergency & Stay-At-Home Order

The Ontario Government has declared a provincial state of emergency in response to the rapid increase in COVID-19 transmission. Effective Thursday, April 8, 2021 at 12:01 am, the Ontario Government is issuing a province-wide stay-at-home order requiring everyone to remain at home with exceptions for essential purposes, accessing health care services, for exercise, or for essential work that cannot be done remotely.

The provision of health care services, including denturism, remains unaffected. Registered Denturists are reminded to provide denturism care following the procedures and principles outlined in the Guide for Return to Practice. 

Click here for the full news release.
 

April 1, 2021 – Ontario Government Implements Provincewide Emergency Brake.

The Ontario Government is imposing a provincewide emergency brake as a result of an alarming surge in case numbers and COVID-19 hispitalizations across the province. The provincewide emergency brake will be effective Saturday, April 3, 2021, at 12:01 am and the goverment intends to keep this in place for at least four weeks.

Click here to view the full news release including the new measures.

 

March 11, 2021 – Public Health Units and COVID-19 Vaccine

If you are looking for information on how and when you can receive the COVID-19 vaccine, please visit your local public health unit's website for more information. You can find the contact information for Public Health Units here.


March 3, 2021 – COVID-19 Vaccination Scheduling 

The College has published a new release pertaining to Registrered Denturists and vaccination scheduling.

Click here to read the full news release.


February 22, 2021 – General Update

The provision of health care services, including denturism, remains unaffected. Denture Clinics remain open as Registered Denturists continue to provide service following the procedures outlined in the Guide for Return to Practice and Infection Prevention and Control Guidelines. The College will continue to provide updates as it pertains to Registered Denturists.


January 12, 2021 – Ontario Government Declares Second Provincial State of Emergency

The Ontario Government has declared a second provincial state of emergency in response to the sustained high COVID-19 transmission rate. Effective Thursday, January 14, 2021 at 12:01 am, the Ontario Government is issuing a stay-at-home order requiring everyone to remain at home with exceptions for essential purposes, accessing health care services, for exercise, or for essential work.
 

Click here for the full provincial news release.


December 21, 2020 – Province-Wide Lockdown Annouced and Update on Hydrogen Peroxide Oral Rinse

Province-Wide Lockdown:

The Ontario Government has announced a province-wide lockdown (shutdown) to go into effect as of Saturday, December 26, 2020, at 12:01 am. This closure will be in effect for 28 days in Southern Ontario and 14 days in Northern Ontario, with the possibility of extension as the situation evolves. 

The provision of health care services, including denturism, is not impacted.

Click here for the full provincial news release.

Public Health Ontario Update on Hydrogen Peroxide Oral Rinse:

Public Health Ontario (PHO) has provided an update on the use of pre-procedural oral rinses in dental settings stating that hydrogen peroxide is no longer recommended because of a lack of efficacy against COVID-19. Specific alternatives to hydrogen peroxide as pre-procedure oral rinse solutions were not recommended by PHO because of a lack of conclusive data on the efficacy of any alternatives.
 
Despite the lack of recommendations for specific alternate oral rinses, the use of common alternatives to hydrogen peroxide were not shown to be detrimental. The College’s Guide for Return to Practice has been updated to reflect this change.
 
Click here to view Public Health Ontario’s review of pre-procedure oral rinses.


December 11, 2020 – Provincial Emergency Declaration Extended Until January 20, 2021, York Region and Windsor Moves into Lockdown.

Ontario has extended emergency orders currently in force until January 20, 2021. This will ensure the province maintains the necessary flexibility to support the safe delivery of health care and other crticial services until COVID-19 vaccines are approved and widely available. 

The Ontario government also announced today that York Region and Windsor-Essex County are moving into a lockdown beginning Monday, December 14, 2020.


The provision of health services, including denturism, has not been impacted by this lockdown order.


November 20, 2020 - Ontario Government Annouces Lockdown in Toronto and Peel Regions

The Ontario government announced today that Toronto and Peel Regions are moving into a lockdown beginning Monday, November 23, 2020.

The provision of health services, including denturism, has not been impacted. The College will continue to provide updates as it pertains to Registered Denturists.

Click here for the full provincial news release.


October 31, 2020 

This page is actively monitored and will be updated with relevant COVID-19 updates as they arrive.

 

October 6, 2020 - Updated Directive #5 - Required Precautions for Long-Term Care Homes and Retirement Homes

The Chief Medical Officer of Health has issued an updated version of Directive #5 that enhances the required health and safety precautions in long-term care homes, retirement homes and public hospitals.
 
This Directive may impact Registered Denturists who provide denturism care and service in long-term care facilities or retirement homes. Specifically,

  • A point-of-care risk assessment (PCRA) must be performed by every regulated health professional before every patient or resident interaction in a public hospital or long-term care home.
  • At a minimum, for regulated health professionals and other health care workers in a hospital or a long-term care home, Droplet and Contact Precautions must be used by regulated health professionals and other health care workers for all interactions with probable or confirmed COVID-19 patients or residents. Droplet and Contact Precautions include gloves, face shields or goggles, gowns, and surgical/procedure masks.
  • If a regulated health professional determines, based on the PCRA, and based on their professional and clinical judgement and proximity to the patient or resident, that an N-95 respirator may be required in the delivery of care or services (including interactions), then the public hospital or long-term care home must provide that regulated health professional and other health care workers present for that patient or resident interaction with a fit-tested N95 respirator or approved equivalent or better protection.

Registered Denturists who provide care and service in long-term care facilities or retirement homes can familiarize themselves with the amended Directive #5 here


July 31, 2020 –  COVID-19 Exposure Mobile App Now Available

The Ontario government is encouraging everyone to download the new COVID Alert app on their smart phone from the Apple and Google Play app stores. This app, which is available beginning today, lets users know if they may have been exposed to the virus. It is free, easy and safe to use. The more people who download the app, the more effective it will be in stopping the spread of COVID-19.

Click for the full provincial news release.
 

July 23, 2020 – Provincial Emergency Declaration Extended Until July 24, 2020

Ontario has extended emergency orders currently in force until July 29. This will ensure the province maintains the necessary flexibility to protect public health and safety as more businesses reopen and people go back to work. The government has also extended the provincial declaration of emergency until July 24.

Starting July 17, parts of Ontario will be able to move into Stage 3 of recovery, while other communities will remain in Stage 2. In Stage 3, nearly all businesses and public spaces can gradually reopen, with public health and workplace safety restrictions in place. High-risk venues and activities will remain closed until they can safely resume operations.


July 9, 2020 – Provincial Emergency Declaration Extended Until July 15

On June 24, 2020, the Government of Ontario extended the Declaration of Emergency until July 15. The associated emergency orders have now been extended until July 22, 2020 in an annoucement made by the provincial government today.

For more information on the emergency declaration, please visit the Government of Ontario's webpage found here.


June 5, 2020 – Return to Practice FAQs

The College has compiled a list of commonly asked questions that have been received by the Practice Advisory team. You may find some of the answers to your questions here, but please feel free to contact the College if you require further information.

Click here to view the FAQs.


May 26, 2020 – Chief Medical Officer of Health Annouces Restart of Health Care Practices

The Chief Medical Officer of Health for Ontario, Dr. David Williams, has revised Directive 2 effective today, May 26, 2020. Directive 2 previously limited care to essential services only. The revised Directive 2 provides for the gradual restart of health care services, including ALL (non-essential and essential) denturism care and services. 

Click here for the College's News Release regarding the restarting of health care practices.
 

May 22, 2020 – Infection Prevention and Control Guide for Return to Practice

The College’s Guide for Return to Practice for Denturists as well as the College’s newly adopted general Infection Prevention and Control Guidelines are now available.


May 16, 2020 – College Update 

The College provided an update to all Registered Denturists regarding the following items:

  • Phase 1 of Reopening Our Province, Guide for Return to Practice for Denturists, Practice Principles.

Please click here to view the full update.


May 13, 2020 – College Update 

The College provided an update to all Registered Denturists regarding the following items:

  • Registration fee refunds, online invoice payment, election reminder, Non-Council Committee memberships, and return to practice.

Please click here to view the full update.


May 7, 2020 – Provincial Emergency Orders Extended Until May 19

Yesterday, the Ontario government announced that it would be extending, until at least May 19, all existing emergency orders that have been put in place to slow the spread of COVID-19. These orders include the closure of all non-essential workplaces and, in conjunction with the March 19, 2020 Directive from Dr. David Williams, Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health, limit Registered Denturists to the provision of essential, urgent care only.

Click here for the College's full News Release.

May 5, 2020 – College Update - One-Time Reduction of Annual Renewal Fees

The College provided an update to all Registered Denturists regarding a one-time 50% reduction of the annual renewal fees, as well as spring webinars and council member elections. Please click here to view.


April 30, 2020 – College Update - Return to Practice

The College provided an update to all Registered Denturists regarding return to practice and the Government of Ontario's framework for reopening the province, please click here to view.

April 14, 2020 – Provincial Emergency Declaration Extended Until May 12

On April 14, 2020, the Government of Ontario extended the Declaration of Emergency and associated emergency measures, including the closure of non-essential workplaces, until May 12. This is an extension of the Declaration ordering closure of non-essential workplaces, last extended on April 11. With the extension of this Declaration, Registered Denturists are reminded that they may only provide urgent care to patients.

Click here for the College's News Release.

April 13, 2020 - Available Mental Health Resources

The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) is providing access to mental health supports for health care workers who might be impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Their dedicated COVID-19 webpage has important and useful resources for maintaining mental wellness with guidance on coping with stress and anxiety, managing self-isolation and quarantine, and other relevant topics. CAMH is also facilitating the support of health care workers by providing access to psychotherapy and psychiatric services.

In these stressful times, these resources may be of use to you or someone you know.  They can be found here.

April 13, 2020 - Extension of Emergency Declaration

The Government of Ontario has further extended the Declaration of Emergency and associated emergency measures, including the closure of non-essential workplaces, restrictions on social gatherings and prohibition of price gouging until April 23. This extension also applies to the restriction of the activities of health care professionals, including Registered Denturists, to urgent care only.

Additionally, the Government of Ontario will be recalling legislature on April 14, 2020 to seek an additional extension of 28 days pending the passing of legislation. The College will provide timely updates once it receives further information.

Click here to view the full news release.

April 8, 2020 - Ontario Government Launches Workforce Matching Portal - PPE Donations

  • The Government of Ontario has launched an online portal to match available health care providers like you with organizations across Ontario looking for assistance in the response against COVID-19. Click here to visit the Ontario Government’s online portal.
  • Request for PPE donations - should you have any additional personal protective equipment (PPE) such as surgical/procedure masks, N95 masks, gloves, gowns and eye protection that you are able to spare, please consider donating some. For more information on donating PPE, please click here.

April 2, 2020 - College Update

The College provided an update to all Registered Denturists regarding the extension of emergency declaration, please click here to view.

March 31, 2020 - Government Extends Emergency Declaration

The Government of Ontario has extended the Declaration of Emergency and associated emergency measures, including the closure of non-essential workplaces and restrictions on social gatherings until April 13. This is an extension to the closure of non-essential workplaces initially put in place on March 24.  This extension applies to the list of essential businesses, including Denture clinics for the provision of emergency care.  Click here to view the full news release. 

March 24, 2020 - Ontario Government Recruiting Health Care Providers

The Government of Ontario is seeking additional experienced health care providers who may want to assist with provincial efforts to prevent and control the spread of COVID-19. The College is providing this request to active or retired Denturists, Denturism students, and applicants, in the event that you are interested in lending your support. The Government may be seeking support in areas that do not involve the practice of Denturism. 

If you are interested, please visit the Health Force Ontario website found here for more information and to complete the recruitment application.

March 23, 2020 - Ontario Government Orders Closure of Non-Essential Work Places

To further contain the spread of COVID-19, the Ontario Government ordered the mandatory closure of all non-essential workplaces effective as of Tuesday, March 24th at 11:59 p.m. This closure will be in effect for 14 days with the possibility of extension as the situation evolves. A full list of businesses that are permitted to stay open can be found here. In the Ontario Government’s list of essential businesses, item 58 identifies “Health care professionals providing emergency care including dentists, optometrists and physio-therapists”.  The care provided by denturists to patients in emergent situations will fall in this category.


The Chief Medical Officer has issued the following recommendation for Health Care Workers returning to work after travelling: CMOH Recommendations Re: Health Worker Illness and Returning to Work

March 20, 2020​ - Directive to Health Care Providers - Important Changes to Renewal

  • The Chief Medical Officer has issued a directive to all Regulated Health Care Providers, including Registered Denturists, to immediately cease or reduce all non-essential and elective services until further notice. This requirement has been updated from a recommendation. You can view the directive here. You can view the College’s e-newsletter regarding this directive sent to all Registered Denturists here.
  • The College has announced important changes to the 2020-2021 Certificate of Registration and Health Profession Corporation Certificate of Authorization Renewal. To learn more about these important changes, please click here.

March 17, 2020 - CDO Office Closure Notice

Office Closure Notice: In order to reduce the likelihood of community transmission of COVID-19 and to protect the College’s staff members, the CDO will be temporarily shifting most of its office functions to a virtual space as of March 17, 2020. We are unsure of the duration of this shift but will communicate developments to our stakeholders as they arise.

March 16, 2020 - College Update

The College published an update regarding measures instituted in response to the COVID-19 pandemic:

  1. The CDO strongly recommending that all non-essential denturism care and service be suspended immediately
  2. Ongoing information access
  3. College functions and business activities including physical office closure and college meetings
  4. Quality assurance
  5. Registration renewal

Please read the full update here.

March 13, 2020 

Public Health Ontario has posted a technical brief Updated IPAC Recommendations for Use of PPE for Care of Individuals with Suspect or Confirmed COVID-19

March 12, 2020

The Chief Medical Officer of Health has issued a revised directive for health care providers and health care entities to employ required precautions when interacting with patients suspected or confirmed with COVID-19. Click here to view the directive (revised March 30, 2020).

Public Health Ontario developed guidance in English and French for environmental cleaning for non-heath care settings. 

March 11, 2020

Public Health Agency of Canada has provided the following guidance document:

March 4, 2020

Public Health Ontario has provided the following documents: 

February 13, 2020

Updated guidance documents for Acute Care, Paramedics, Primary Care, Home & Community Care and Long Term Care settings have been added to the ministry website

The Ministry of Health has created a FAQs document to answer common questions that have been received by health care professionals.

February 6, 2020

The Ministry of Health has developed an information sheet about the 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID-19) to inform Ontarians about the virus, how they can protect themselves and what to do if they think they have contracted the 2019 novel coronavirus. The information sheet is available in multiple languages and can be found here.

February 5, 2020

Health care providers (in particular acute care settings and paramedic services) facing immediate challenges with their personal protective equipment supply levels can email the ministry at EOCLogistics.MOH@ontario.ca.

February 1, 2020

The Ministry of Health has provided the following patient signs for you to use in your practices:

January 31, 2020

The Ministry of Health has provided the following guidance document for primary care providers:

The Ministry of Health has set up a hotline for healthcare providers: 1-866-212-2272

Important Resources

The College strongly recommends you visit the following websites to stay updated on the latest information:

List of Public Health Units in Ontario  - If you are looking for information on how and when you can receive the COVID-19 vaccine, please visit your local public health unit's website for more information.

Ministry of Health’s COVID-19 webpage – Updated daily at 10:30 am EST, this website contains the latest information on the status of cases in Ontario, information about the Coronavirus and how Ontario is preparing.

Ministry of Health’s dedicated webpage for Health Care Professionals – This website contains specific guidance for healthcare workers and health sector employers about occupational health and safety, infection prevention and control, and screening procedures.

Public Health Agency of Canada’s COVID-19 webpage – updates from the Government of Canada including travel advisories

The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) dedicated COVID-19 webpage – CAMH is providing access to mental health supports for health care workers who might be impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
 

Practice Resources