Until a member completes the Self Initiation Course, they must practice with a general written protocol/order, signed by
a dentist. Under the Act and Regulations, members approved by the CDHNS to self-initiate the authorized act of scaling
of teeth and root planing (including curetting of surrounding tissue); ordering, administering and interpreting radiographs
for dental hygiene purposes, ordering, administering or prescribing those drugs included in clause 25(a), may do so without
an protocol/order from a dentist subject to the Regulation on contraindications; Section 28, (1-4).
Successful completion of this course will allow dental hygienists to apply to the CDHNS for approval to self-initiate these
authorized acts as set out in the Act and the Regulations. This will ensure all dental hygienists the authority to engage
in self-directed clinical practice regardless of practice location and will eliminate the necessity for a written protocol/order.
The objective of the College of Dental Hygienists of Nova Scotia (CDHNS) Standard of Practice for Self-initiation
is to offer assurance to Nova Scotians that their dental hygienists are fully competent to provide safe and effective
care. The Self-Initiation for Dental Hygienists in Nova Scotia course will ensure that you have comprehensive
knowledge of the dental hygiene process of care, which forms the framework within which dental hygiene care is
conducted.
The course consists of eight sections.
-
Section 1: Introduction
Section 1 provides an overview of the course and establishes the rationale upon which the decision
whether to proceed with dental hygiene treatment is made within the dental hygiene process of care
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Section 2: DH Process of Care—Assessment
Sections 2 to 5 review all components of the dental hygiene process of care, including health
and personal histories, which includes multicultural influences; information analysis and synthesis;
and establishing oral care priorities and goals. Evidence-based practise is emphasized throughout, and
the best sources for client education and scientific resources are presented
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Section 3: DH Process of Care—Diagnosis & Planning
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Section 4: DH Process of Care—Implementation
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Section 5: DH Process of Care—Evaluation
-
Section 6: Clients with Special Needs
Section 6 focuses on clients with special needs, discussing demographics, especially of the
aging population and clients who may have some form of sensory deprivation or dementia.
-
Section 7: Jurisprudence and Record Keeping
Section 7 reviews the contraindications legislation clause-by-clause to assist registrants in
making a professional judgment about the necessity to refer or postpone treatment. The requirements of
informed consent and record keeping are also considered.
-
Section 8: Health and Safety
Section 8 of this course concentrates on the safety and protection of both clients and caregivers
in the dental hygiene environment by reviewing the prevention and management of medical emergencies and
pertinent health and safety legislation.
Course Information
Registration for the course is done online and the course is taken online in the comfort of your home, at your convenience
and your pace. You may pause and restart at any time. It is expected that the entire course
will take about 33 hours to complete; however, you can take as much time as you need, with the exception
of the final examination. You may wish to break up your learning into several shorter sessions.
A resource manual has been developed for the course. It can be downloaded and printed as a complement to the course.
It is a valuable learning tool with learning outcomes, pre-tests, learning activities, summaries, post-tests,
and suggested additional resources such as links to websites, etc. It is important that your participation includes
these learning activities because they have been designed to contribute to the knowledge required to pass the
final examination and increase your competency to self-initiate and provide safe dental hygiene care.
The required textbook for this course is one of the following:
- Darby and Walsh, 2014, Dental Hygiene Theory and Practice 4th edition, St. Louis: Saunders, or
- Darby and Walsh, 2010, Dental Hygiene Theory and Practice 3rd edition, St. Louis: Saunders, or
- Darby and Walsh, 2003, Dental Hygiene Theory and Practice 2nd edition, St. Louis: Saunders.
Either may be ordered online at
www.elsevier.com or
www.amazon.ca. There is also a list of resources and reference materials (print and electronic) in the resource
manual.
A pre-test is presented at the beginning of each section and a post-test at the end of each section. A final timed
multiple-choice examination is administered upon completion of the course. Upon successful completion of the
examination, a certificate of completion issued by CDHA may be printed from your computer.
For those wishing to apply to the CDHO for authorization to self-initiate under section 5 (1) (a) of the Dental Hygiene
Act 1991, this certificate must be submitted with your completed application.
The development of this continuing education course has been made possible through a financial contribution from
the College of Dental Hygienists of Ontario. The views expressed herein do not necessarily represent the
views of the College
Relevance to Practice
The
Standard of Practice for Self-Initiation for dental hygiene care applies to all CDHNS members who plan
to self-initiate the controlled acts of "scaling teeth and root planing, including curetting surrounding tissue."
Successful completion of this course provides the evidence required to meet the CDHNS best-practice standards
to obtain the required authorization for self-initiation. This confirms a level of knowledge, skill, and judgment
that ensures safe and effective care for Nova Scotians
Patricia Grant
Patricia Grant has been an assistant professor for many years in the School of Dental Hygiene at Dalhousie University,
Halifax, NS, where she is currently teaching in the newly established degree program.
more...
Diane Landry
Dianne Landry provides consulting and facilitation services to dental hygiene associations and regulatory authorities.
She has extensive experience in several professional dental hygiene roles. She has practised as clinician, educator
in public health and dental hygiene programs, administrator, and consultant.
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Sue MacIntosh
Sue MacIntosh practised in private clinical settings in Nova Scotia for over twenty-five years. For the past decade,
she has enjoyed working in a public health setting with the Pictou County Health Authority, located in New Glasgow,
NS.
more...
Sharon Cavanagh
Sharon Cavanagh currently provides individualized training for dental hygienists who wish to return to practice.
more...
Maria Elena Tigner
Maria Elena Tigner currently holds the position of professor of dental programs at Algonquin College in Ottawa, where
she is teaching oral histopathology, periodontics, and clinical dental hygiene, among other courses.
more...
Sandra Lawlor
Sandra Lawlor has practised clinical dental hygiene for thirty-one years, and is also a part-time faculty instructor
at the Canadian Institute of Dental Hygiene.
more...
Lisa Taylor
Lisa Taylor practised clinically in a variety of settings for twenty years before joining the College of Dental Hygienists
of Ontario (CDHO) in her current position as practice advisor and quality assurance administrator.
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Brenda Leggett
Brenda Leggett has over twenty years of experience as a dental hygiene educator at Georgian College and Algonquin
College. She has practised in community health as a dental hygiene administrator, and remains active as a clinical
dental hygienist in private practice.
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Laura Myers
Laura Myers is currently the director of education at CDHA. She has extensive dental hygiene experience in education,
administration, and restorative and community health, and remains active in clinical practice.
more...