NEWS
Welcome to the BCDHA news page, your go-to resource for the latest news, insights, and updates in the dental hygiene profession.
BCDHA Submits Official Feedback on Proposed BCCOHP Bylaws
Association shares feedback on behalf of members following Fireside Chat sessions and urges continued engagement as the review process continues The BC Dental Hygienists’ Association (BCDHA) has formally submitted its feedback letter to the BC College of Oral Health...
BCCOHP Proposed Bylaw Feedback due Oct. 31, 2025
Your input is vital to ensure Dental Hygiene is treated equitably The BC College of Oral Health Professionals (BCCOHP) is currently seeking feedback on the proposed bylaws under the Health Professions and Occupations Act (HPOA). These bylaws will directly shape how...
Discussion Summary from BCDHA Fireside Chats held October 8 and 22, 2025
This document summarizes the key points that BCDHA has identified and that were shared with members during the recent BCDHA Fireside Chat sessions regarding the proposed BCCOHP bylaws. This summary is intended to: Highlight key points of consensus and concerns that...
BCDHA Responds to Proposed Bylaw Changes
In response to proposed bylaw changes from the British Columbia of Oral Health Professionals, the BCDHA board of directors has issued the following statement. BCDHA firmly upholds the value of advanced education and the...
BCDHA Members Gather in Kelowna for Skills Training and Networking
Dental hygienists from across B.C. gathered in Kelowna last weekend for An Introduction to Erythritol Air Polishing & Minimally Invasive Periodontal Therapy. The hands-on workshop gave members the chance to participate in advanced training, combining education,...
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
Today, on the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, we pause to honour Survivors, their families, and the children who never returned home from residential schools. This year also marks 10 years since the Truth and Reconciliation Commission released its 94 Calls...
Truth and Reconciliation Week: Opportunities to Learn and Reflect
September 22–26 marks Truth and Reconciliation Week, a time to reflect on the legacy of residential schools and our collective responsibility to advance reconciliation. At BCDHA, we affirm our ongoing commitment to reconciliation. We recognize the importance of...
BCDHA/CDHA Membership Renewal is Now Open
Renew today to win a $1,000 gift card The 2025–2026 BCDHA/CDHA membership renewal period is open! BCDHA/CDHA supports your professional journey with essential programs and services—from advocacy and professional development to practice protection and career resources....
BCCOHP Proposed QAP Framework – Feedback Needed by August 5
The BC College of Oral Health Professionals (BCCOHP) has released a proposed Quality Assurance Program (QAP) framework intended to align all oral health professionals under one QAP program, replacing the legacy QAP programs from the former regulatory colleges. This...
We Want to Hear From You
Take the BCDHA Owner Linkage Survey If you’re a dental hygiene practice owner, this is your chance to share your perspective and help shape the future of the profession. The BCDHA Owner Linkage Survey asks a few short questions about your practice area and your hopes...
Congratulations to Our 2025 BCDHA Student Award Recipients
Celebrating Excellence: Meet the 2025 BCDHA Student Award Recipients Each year, BCDHA proudly celebrates the achievements of student Dental Hygiene members across the province. The BCDHA Student Awards recognize excellence in academic performance, leadership, and...
New Professional Standards for the Oral Health Team Now in Effect
As of June 30, 2025, the BC College of Oral Health Professionals (BCCOHP) has officially implemented its unified Professional Standards for the Oral Health Team. These new standards apply to all regulated oral health professionals in British Columbia, including dental...
BCDHA Appoints Interim Executive Director
The board of directors of the BCDHA has appointed Leta Zaleski as Interim Executive Director. We thank Leta for taking on this very important role of leading the organization. Welcome Leta!
Join the BCDHA Canadian Products Research Ad Hoc Committee Members
With the recent imposition of tariffs by the US government and the threat to Canadian sovereignty from President Donald Trump, members have expressed a desire to “buy Canadian”. BCDHA is supporting this endeavour by establishing an ad hoc committee to identify...
A Little Help, A Lot of Health: Caring for Senior Smiles
New video series aimed at senior's oral care released Vancouver, B.C.– Today, as part of B.C. Seniors’ Week, the British Columbia Dental Hygienist Association (BCDHA) together with the British Columbia Dental Association (BCDA) have jointly released an informative and...
Celebrating Nurses: Champions of Whole-Person Care
During Nursing Week 2025, the BC Dental Hygienists’ Association (BCDHA) is proud to recognize and celebrate the invaluable contributions of nurses in providing services for the promotion, maintenance, and restoration of health and the prevention of illness and injury....
BCDHA Board Elections: Watch for Your Ballot
Elections are open for Director-at-Large and Greater Vancouver Representative positions We’re holding elections for two positions on the BCDHA Board: Director-at-Large and Greater Vancouver Representative. All BCDHA members are eligible to vote for the...
Consider becoming a BCDHA Board Director!
Do you have what it takes to lead and make a difference? Serving on the BCDHA Board offers a unique opportunity to contribute your skills and experience to an organization you care about, while gaining valuable knowledge and expanding your...
Call for Nominations to Serve on the Board of Directors’ Dental Hygiene Services Fee Guide Committee
The BCDHA Board of Directors is responsible for annually determining the fees for the BC Dental Hygiene Services Fee Guide and for making recommendations to the Canadian Dental Hygienists Association regarding changes to the list of dental hygiene service codes and...
Connecting with Members at PDC 2025
Look Back at PDC 2025: Conversations, Connections, and Member Engagement The Pacific Dental Conference (PDC) 2025 was a great opportunity to connect with members, share updates, and discuss key topics in the profession. Thank you to everyone who visited the BCDHA...
Survey on Cultural Safety in Oral Health
You are invited to take a brief, and anonymous five-question survey to provide feedback on one of our professional development educational series. Your contribution will help us build a network among oral healthcare professionals dedicated to providing care-based and...
Featured in Oral Health Magazine: Bridging Mental Health and Oral Health with a New Resource
Afifa Eidher, Program and Innovation Manager at the BCDHA, wrote this article for Oral Health Dental Magazine to highlight an exciting new resource addressing the intersection of mental and oral health care. By Afifa Eidher, RDH, BCDHA Program and Innovation Manager...
BCDHA Advocacy in Action: Changes to the QAP Exam
The BCCOHP has announced that the Quality Assurance Assessment (QAP Exam) for Dental Hygienists will no longer require a minimum score to pass. This means that all dental hygienists who complete the assessment for license renewal in 2025 will receive a successful...
BCDHA Year in Review: 2024 Highlights
As we wrap up 2024, we’re reflecting on a year filled with initiatives, achievements, and collaborations that advanced the dental hygiene profession in British Columbia and beyond. Here’s a look back at all of our blog posts from this year: Advocacy and Professional...
Participate in the Survey to Shape the Future of Dental Hygiene Assessments
The Federation of Dental Hygiene Regulators of Canada (FDHRC) is conducting a national survey to gather input from Registered Dental Hygienists to help update the organization's key assessments. This is your opportunity to contribute to the development of the National...
Introducing a new 12 CE credit hours Cultural Safety & Humility Training course, in collaboration with the BCDA
Introducing a new 12 CE credit hours Cultural Safety & Humility Training course, in collaboration with the BCDA: This course was created in collaboration with the First Nations Health Authority and funded by BC’s Ministry of Health. It is tailored specifically for...
Unlock Exclusive Perks with Your BCDHA Membership
Joining the British Columbia Dental Hygienists’ Association (BCDHA) isn’t just about connecting with a supportive professional network — it's also about unlocking a wide range of exclusive perks and discounts that are designed to enhance both your personal and...
BCDHA Board Chair Leta Zaleski Receives CDHA Award of Merit
British Columbia Dental Hygienists’ Association (BCDHA) board chair Leta Zaleski has been honoured with the prestigious CDHA Award of Merit at the 2024 CDHA national conference in Niagara Falls this week. The award recognizes Zaleski’s exceptional leadership,...
Fee Schedule Parity for Independent Dental Hygienists Approved
BCDHA Celebrates Milestone Achievement in Securing Pay Parity for Independent Dental Hygienists The British Columbia Dental Hygienists’ Association (BCDHA) applauds the federal government’s recent announcement that pay parity for independent dental hygienists has been...
Check out Our List of Webinars for 2025!
Expand Your Expertise with BCDHA’s Engaging Webinars We’re excited to share our upcoming lineup of BCDHA webinars for 2025! These sessions are designed to provide you with the latest knowledge, skills, and resources in the field of dental hygiene. Whether you’re...
BC Nurses and Dental Hygienists Team Up to Enhance Oral Health in Long-Term Care
The British Columbia Dental Hygienists' Association (BCDHA) is proud to share that our partnership with the Nurses and Nurse Practitioners of BC (NNPBC) has been recognized by the Office of the Seniors Advocate in the latest Seniors Advocate Newsletter. Together, we...
Celebrating Allied Health Professionals Day
On October 14th, 2024, we join the global celebration of Allied Health Professionals (AHP) Day. This special day recognizes the vital role that over 70 allied health disciplines play in providing high-quality care to the people of British Columbia. Allied health...
Discover Our New Student Resources Section
We’re excited to unveil the newly expanded Student Resources section on the BCDHA website.This comprehensive collection is designed to guide and support you throughout your dental hygiene journey, offering valuable information, tools, and opportunities for both...
Mpox Awareness for B.C. Dental Hygienists
Mpox Awareness for BC Dental Hygienists (August 15, 2024) As oral health care professionals, we must remain vigilant about emerging public health threats while maintaining our commitment to meticulous infection control. Oral health providers play an important role in...
BCDHA Dental Hygienist New Graduate Wage Survey 2024
The survey closes September 22 In 2023, BCDHA launched a new graduate wage survey to provide accurate and reliable information regarding current entry-level compensation packages for recent graduate dental hygienist members. The survey was a great success, and it is...
Advocacy Success: Fair Compensation for Dental Hygienists
The British Columbia Dental Hygienists’ Association (BCDHA) is pleased to announce a significant victory in its ongoing advocacy efforts to ensure fair compensation for dental hygienists. Over a year ago, BCDHA began working with an independent dental hygienist who...
Join the BCDHA Board of Directors
The British Columbia Dental Hygienists' Association (BCDHA) is seeking nominations for passionate individuals to join our Board of Directors. We are currently looking for a dedicated member to represent the Fraser Valley region and contribute to the advancement of the...
Celebrating Seniors Week
This week is Seniors Week, and BCDHA is honoured to spotlight the vital care dental hygienists provide to seniors across British Columbia. By addressing their unique oral health needs, dental hygienists play a crucial role in enhancing the quality of life for our...
BC Dental Hygienists Applaud Launch of Canada Dental Care Plan
May 2, 2024 (Vancouver, BC) — On May 1, the first patients under the new Canadian Dental Care Plan began receiving treatment. Independent dental hygienists saw clients who had previously been unable to afford access to oral health care. Over 1.7 million seniors are...
BCDHA commends fed commitment to expand student loan forgiveness
The British Columbia Dental Hygienists' Association (BCDHA) applauds the federal government's decision to extend the Canada Student Loan Forgiveness Program to dental hygienists working in remote communities. The move, which was announced by Minister of Finance...
Check out the highlights of the BCDHA at PDC 2024
We had the privilege of engaging with BCDHA and CDA Alliance members during the Pacific Dental Conference (PDC) at the Vancouver Convention Centre last week. Events like PDC serve as important platforms for networking, professional development, and knowledge exchange....
BCACC and BCDHA Announce Innovative Mental Health Resources for Oral Health Practitioners and their Patients
New resources have been developed to assist Dental Hygienists and patients in alleviating dental anxiety during visits. VICTORIA, BC, March 5, 2024 /CNW/ - The BC Association of Clinical Counsellors (BCACC) and the BC Dental Hygienists Association (BCDHA) are pleased...
Say hello to our new Executive Director
Cherie Payne joins the BCDHA bringing 20 years of experience in leadership and advocacy in health, education and public interest organizations. If you’re at PDC next month, make sure to come by our booth and say hello!








































