Did you know that in May 2026, the Ontario government directed several regulatory health colleges to begin the work needed to support further expansions to scopes of practice?

The announcement includes regulatory colleges for optometrists, physiotherapists, chiropractors, dental hygienists, denturists, audiologists, and speech-language pathologists.

For dentistry, the proposed changes involving dental hygienists and denturists are especially important for practice owners to understand.

These proposals are not currently in effect and do not yet have an implementation timeline.

The Ministry of Health has tasked the regulators with beginning the work needed to develop the regulatory framework. This has been confirmed by both the College of Dental Hygienists of Ontario and the College of Denturists of Ontario.

Proposed Changes for Dental Hygienists

The proposed changes would allow dental hygienists to:

• Order and apply x-rays
• Be designated as Radiation Protection Officers
• Prescribe and administer local anesthetic by injection

Proposed Changes for Denturists

The proposed changes would allow denturists to:

• Order and apply x-rays
• Operate an x-ray machine
• Be designated as Radiation Protection Officers
• Insert and retain implant-supported dentures and related implant components

What Could This Mean for Dental Practices?

Scope-of-practice changes can affect more than clinical workflow. They can influence referral patterns, patient decision-making, documentation expectations, supervision models, billing practices, and professional boundaries.

For dentists and practice owners, this raises important questions:

• How could these changes affect the services patients choose?
• How might they affect collaboration between dentists, dental hygienists, and denturists?
• What new documentation or compliance expectations could follow?
• How should practices prepare before changes come into effect?
• What standards of care and scope-of-practice boundaries need to be clearly understood?

Even when changes are still proposed, it is important for dentists to stay informed. Regulatory shifts can have real consequences for patient care, clinical records, team training, and risk management.

Preparation Matters

At Dr. Ali Kapasi Dental Consulting, we provide support to dentists across Canada in areas involving regulatory compliance, audit preparedness, standards of care, and scope-of-practice issues.

Understanding what is changing, what is not yet in effect, and what may be required next can help dentists protect their practices and make informed decisions for their patients.

Need help understanding how scope-of-practice changes could affect your practice?

Dr. Ali Kapasi Dental Consulting can help you review your systems, understand your obligations, and prepare for changes in the regulatory landscape.