History

In 1996, during the NB Dental Hygienists Association’s Annual General Meeting, the members motioned to pursue Self-Regulation for the profession of dental hygiene in NB.  Thirteen years later, on June 19, 2009, the NB Legislative Assembly passed the Act respecting the NB College of Dental Hygienists. Previously, the profession of dental hygiene was regulated by the NB Dental Society.  This Act ensured that dental hygienists would be regulating their own profession by developing and maintaining practice standards.   As this new Act received Royal Assent, the work continued to develop the Rules under this Act.

The Rules process was guided by the Council, Legal Counsel, the Practice Standards Committee, the Department of Health, the Department of Post-Secondary Education, Training and Labour, stakeholders and the Minister of Health.  In December 2012, after numerous revisions and debates, the Minister of Health, Hon. Hugh J. Flemming, approved the Rules under the Act respecting the NB College of Dental Hygienists allowing an increase in scope for dental hygienists in the province of NB.

At this time, the NBCDH Council takes this opportunity to thank all dental hygienists who have volunteered their time and effort and their devotion in reaching this ultimate goal of self-regulation for the profession.  It would be impossible to name all involved in this achievement for the past 16 ½ years.   We also thank our Canadian colleagues, Provincial regulatory authorities and the Canadian Dental Hygienists Association and other National dental hygiene organizations that have provided their expert advice and financial support throughout this process.