Welcome to the Independent Practice Network (IPN)

Independent Practice Network (IPN)

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While all members can purchase access to the independent practice network, individuals must ensure they are able to practice independently in accordance with their regulatory body and have full active CDHA membership.

Independent Practice Business Insurance

Assess Your Insurance Needs

The Independent Practice Network (IPN) is designed to meet your specific needs as a member of CDHA’s growing community of independent practice dental hygienists. Membership in the network must be renewed yearly. CDHA’s Professional Practice Advisor, Clayton De Corte, is your contact for Practice Success inquiries.

Our Commitment to You

Support for CDHA’s independent practitioners is a high priority for the association. Today, thanks to that commitment, over 1,400 CDHA members are part of this network, almost all insurance carriers accept standard paper claims, and more than 700 members submit claims electronically through CDHA-ACHDnet^TM to over 40 different carriers. CDHA has also worked hard to secure government contracts allowing independent practitioners to provide services and improve access to care in remote, underserviced areas, for First Nations people through the NIHB Program, as well as for seniors and other vulnerable Canadian populations.

Growing Together

As CDHA continues its efforts to advance independent practice, it is clear that formal mobilization of the group will help move us forward. By joining this exciting network for only $79, you will receive special benefits available ONLY to members of the IPN.

The Benefits

• Eligibility for a nine-digit Unique Identification Number (UIN)
• Access to CDHA-ACHDnet™, enabling you to submit claims electronically and obtain a four-digit office number.
• Membership in the independent practice online community with more than 1,400 members
• NEW! Business Fundamentals: Ready, Set, Launch. This course provides guidance on opening your own independent dental hygiene business. Course modules will cover: Business Model, Feasibility, Marketing, Operations, and Finances. IPN members receive this 25-hour course for only $49.
• Free online professional development opportunities including:
  • IP Connections Cafés:
    • Online Marketing and Branding for the Independent Dental Hygienist. Leverage online marketing and digital technology to increase profitability, operate more efficiently, and grow your dental hygiene business. Presented by Tamir Wolfson, CEO Buzzy Branding
    • Business Coverage & Risk Management for Independent Dental Hygienists. This presentation focuses on business coverage and risk management for dental hygiene business owners. Presented by BMS.
    • Independent Practice Success Stories. Four engaging video presentations that explore the challenges and successes of dental hygiene practice owners who operate long-term care, storefront, mobile, and home-based businesses.
    • Buying, Selling or Starting a Dental Hygiene Practice. Learn practical tips and strategies that will provide a foundation upon which to prepare the next phase of your professional life. Presented by Tier Three Brokerage Ltd.
    • A Practical Guide to Demystifying Privacy Legislation. Examine the high-level starting points that Custodian and Privacy Offers can implement to ensure your office data is protected. Presented by Maxident.
  • Independent Practice eLearning Series:
    • Module 1: Growing Your Practice | Available on your online profile now! | Features corporate structuring and basic tax planning concepts, alternative business and clinical arrangements, and intermediate business concepts specific to independent dental hygiene practices.
    • Module 2: Storefront Strategies | Available on your online profile now!| Explores the mindset and motivational components of business ownership as well as practical strategies to develop and expand your clinical practice.
    • Module 3: Mobile & Long-term Care Strategies | Available on your online profile now! | Provides strategies to overcome common operational challenges and navigate growth transitions unique to mobile practices in long-term care and explores the importance of interprofessional collaboration.
• Priority registration and discounted fees for CDHA’s independent practice workshops.
• Access to exclusive group purchase discounts through Clover, Henry Schein, Sunstar Canada, and Surgically Clean Air
• Your voice represented by the Independent Dental Hygiene Practice Advisory Committee
• Listing on CDHA’s “Find An Independent Dental Hygienist” online practice registry.
• Access to the Spotlight on Independent Dental Hygiene Practice resource

CDHA looks forward to having you join this unique network to further promote the progress and strengthen the position of independent practitioners across Canada! To ensure your access to all of these valuable benefits after November 1, 2022, remember to include the Independent Practice Network (IPN) membership add-on option when renewing your CDHA membership.