Rules Under the NB College of Dental Hygienists Act

January 2013

On January 8, 2013, the NBCDH received confirmation from the Minister of Health, Hon. Hugh J. Flemming, Q.C, that the Rules under the Act Respecting the NB College of Dental Hygienists recieved final approval.  This endeavor was a long collaborative effort with the Council of the NBCDH and the Department of Health.

These new approved Rules will allow an increase in scope of practice for dental hygienists, who hold a specific licence designation by having pursued  additional educational requirements, an opportunity to improve access of care for the underserved population of NB such as those in long term health care, and go a long way to improving health and quality of life for the population of NB. By having dental hygienists working collaboratively with other health professionals, the NBCDH Council is optimistic that the population of New Brunswick will have better access to dental hygiene services outside of the traditional dental office setting.  With further education, the dental hygienist can now administer local anesthesia ensuring client comfort during dental  hygiene treatment as  required.   Dental hygienists who do not apply and /or qualify for specific licence designation will continue to work under supervision of a licenced member of the NB Dental Society.

Rules under the NB Dental Hygienists Act – Revised February 2024