BCDHA Newsletter: September 29, 2026

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

September 30

Resources for Culturally Safer Conversations About Tobacco

As we recognize the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, BCDHA is sharing two resources that can help members deepen their understanding of traditional and commercial tobacco and access culturally appropriate supports for First Nations, Inuit, Métis and urban Indigenous communities.

These resources provide important context for understanding the sacred and ceremonial role of traditional tobacco in many First Nations cultures, while distinguishing those practices from commercial tobacco use and its health impacts.

First Nations Health Authority

Respecting Tobacco

Learn about the important differences between traditional and commercial tobacco, including the cultural, spiritual and ceremonial significance of traditional tobacco for many First Nations.

Explore the FNHA Resources →

Talk Tobacco

Culturally Appropriate Quit Support

Talk Tobacco is a free and confidential program offering culturally appropriate support and information about quitting smoking, vaping and commercial tobacco use for First Nations, Inuit, Métis and urban Indigenous communities.

Visit Talk Tobacco →

BCDHA Membership Renewal 2026/27

Last Chance — October 1 Deadline

Last Chance to Renew Before the Early-Bird Deadline

Renew your BCDHA/CDHA membership by October 1 for your chance to win a $1,000 gift card in the early-bird draw.

The October 1 early-bird deadline is almost here. Renew now to maintain access to your BCDHA/CDHA member benefits, including professional resources and development, liability insurance that meets BCCOHP requirements specific to dental hygienists, and advocacy.

Renew Before October 1

Highlights from OWN IT! 2026

OWN IT!

That's a Wrap! Thanks for Making it a Success!

Dental hygienists from across B.C. gathered at the River Rock Casino Resort on September 26 for a full day of business, clinical learning and connection at OWN IT! 2026.

Thank you to everyone who joined us, along with our presenters and sponsors who helped make the day possible. Take a look back at some of the highlights from this year’s event.

SEE PHOTOS FROM THE EVENT!

Question of the Week

Last Week's Results

Have recent tariffs changed how your practice purchases dental supplies and equipment?

44 members responded

Not sure 52.3%

No 27.3%

Yes 20.5%

This Week's Question

Question of the Week (September 29, 2026)

Upcoming Learning

October 7 | 6:30 p.m. PCT

Take a Look, Save a Life: What Dental Hygienists and Nurses Need to Know

Join Dr. Denise Laronde, PhD, DH(C), for a practical session exploring oral cancer screening examinations, adjunctive screening devices and clinical risk factors associated with potentially malignant lesions.

Learn More & Register

October 14 | 6:30 p.m. PCT

Strategic Instrument Selection Part 2

Join Beth Parkes, RDH, BSc, to build advanced instrument selection strategies for complex periodontal conditions, varied tooth morphology and diverse gingival phenotypes, with a focus on improving both clinical outcomes and ergonomics.

Register Now

Practice Gems

Practice Gem

Unhappy with the Change to “LDH”?

BCDHA successfully advocated for the dental hygiene designation to clearly recognize our profession as autonomous in BCCOHP's Bylaws. This means that BC dental hygienists may use the designation DH or LDH.

BCDHA is encouraging all dental hygienists to use the “DH” designation to prevent confusion with licensed dental assistants (LDAs), since the term “L” is meant to differentiate dental assistants with formal training and who are registered with BCCOHP from dental assistants who are not.

Being licensed with BCCOHP is mandatory for both dentists and dental hygienists to practice. BCDHA's position is that since dentists did not become “Licensed dentists” under the new bylaws, there is no need for dental hygienists to become “Licensed dental hygienists.”

The new Bylaws also specify that being certified to administer local anesthetic be noted as “(C)” only — not “c”, “- C” or any other iteration — following your DH designation.

What Could Your Signature Look Like?

Bonnie Biofilm, DH(C)

Bonnie Biofilm, DH(C), BSDH

A small designation with a big professional identity! Want to read the bylaw?

Read Bylaw 8.09 (1)

Recognizing Allied Health Excellence

Nominations Open Until October 9

Nominations Open for 2026 Allied Health Professionals Day Awards

Help recognize the outstanding contributions of allied health professionals across British Columbia by submitting a nomination for the 2026 Allied Health Professionals Day Awards.

Presented by the Allied Health Policy Secretariat, the awards recognize excellence across nine categories. Peers and organizational leaders are invited to nominate deserving allied health professionals.

Submit a Nomination

Membership Has Its Perks

BCDHA MEMBER BENEFIT

This Week's Member Perk

Save 15% on Luuna Scrubs

BCDHA members receive 15% off Luuna Scrubs.

Email info@bcdha.com for your members-only discount code, then visit Luuna Scrubs to explore their collection.

Explore Luuna Scrubs

Dental Hygienist Opportunity | Nelson, BC

F/T or P/T Dental Hygienist

F/T or P/T Dental Hygienist position available at Front Street Dental in Nelson, BC. Flexible days a week in a lovely state-of-the-art facility. An incredible supportive team is in place with great systems and mentorship. New grads welcome.

Come work at our wonderful office and live in the most beautiful mountain town in Canada. There is nowhere like Nelson. Winter and summer activities, mountain and lake living, and a laid-back lifestyle that soothes the soul.

Wages offered between $60–$65/hr, plus a uniform allowance.

Send Your Resume

Please send your resume to Dr. Matthew Osepchook at mosepchook@mac.com .

Looking to Hire?

Hiring a Dental Hygienist?

Put your opportunity directly in front of BCDHA members by featuring your job posting in our weekly newsletter.

Feature Your Job