BC’s New Professional Standards for Dental Hygienists: Clarity, Consistency, and a Better Way Forward

“On June 30, 2025, British Columbia’s dental hygienists woke up to something new, not a magic cure for coffee stains on teeth, sadly, but the next best thing: a clear, unified set of professional standards.”

It is not every day that a change comes along that affects every oral health professional in the province. The British Columbia College of Oral Health Professionals (BCCOHP) has officially introduced one set of Professional Standards for the Oral Health Team, replacing the separate guidelines that used to apply to different roles. Now, dental hygienists, dentists, dental assistants, and dental therapists are all reading from the same rulebook.

And yes, that is as big a deal as it sounds.

Why the Change Matters

If you have been practicing in BC for a while, you know the landscape has been a patchwork of role-specific regulations and expectations. That meant lots of overlap, a few inconsistencies, and more than a little “Wait, is this actually in my scope?” moments.

With the new unified standards, everyone is on the same page, literally. We now have one set of clear expectations for ethics, professional conduct, scope of practice, and accountability. It is less about memorizing which clause applies to which license, and more about focusing on delivering excellent patient care within a shared framework.

“Clear standards mean fewer grey areas, because in dentistry, grey is never the goal.”

What’s Inside the Standards

The new document does not just tidy up language, it spells out expectations in a way that applies across the profession. Some key points include:

• Ethics & Professionalism: Upholding patient dignity, confidentiality, and informed consent.
• Scope of Practice: Clearer definitions to help you know exactly where your professional boundaries are.
• Continuous Competence: Maintaining your skills and knowledge through ongoing education and self-assessment.
• Collaboration: Encouraging teamwork among all oral health professionals.

These are not new values, but having them unified in one place makes them much easier to apply consistently.

The Big Picture: Transition to the HPOA

This shift is also part of a bigger movement, BC’s transition from the Health Professions Act (HPA) to the Health Professions and Occupations Act (HPOA) in April 2026. By laying down one set of standards now, BCCOHP is setting the stage for a smoother shift into the new legislative framework.

For hygienists, that means this is not a “read once and forget it” situation. These standards will shape how we work for years to come.

What This Means for You

Whether you are brand new to the profession or decades in, the takeaway is simple: the expectations are now uniform. It is a cleaner, clearer way to work that benefits patients and professionals alike.

So, take an afternoon, pour yourself something caffeinated, and read through the new standards. Think of it as your new professional compass, because now, no matter where you practice in BC, we are all navigating by the same map.

Structured Summary:

• Effective Date: June 30, 2025
• Change: Unified Professional Standards for the Oral Health Team introduced by BCCOHP
• Who’s Affected: All regulated oral health professionals in BC, including dental hygienists
• Purpose: Clarity, consistency, and alignment across roles
• Connection to HPOA: Prepares for April 2026 legislative transition