The Government of Saskatchewan introduced legislation that allows dental hygienists, dental therapists and dental assistants to practice independently within their scope of practice.
The Dental Disciplines Amendment Act, 2021 (the Act) introduced in the Saskatchewan legislature will repeal section 25 of the current Act, which prohibits members of these three professions from practising independently of dentists.
"The amendment will expand the ability of these dental professionals to provide services and will make it possible for the public to select their provider of choice," Health Minister Paul Merriman said. "It will also create opportunities to develop dental service delivery models to improve public access to dental care, especially in rural and remote areas."
The Dental Disciplines Act governs six of the regulated dental professions in Saskatchewan: dentists, dental hygienists, dental therapists, dental assistants, dental technicians and denturists. The Act has provisions that prescribe authorized practices for each of these professions. These changes will bring Saskatchewan in line with other Canadian jurisdictions.
Consultations on the proposed changes were conducted with a large number of stakeholders including dental professional regulators in the province, the Saskatchewan Health Authority and other employers listed in the Act opening up new options for dental professionals.
