Our Responsibility
As the professional regulatory body for Registered Dental Hygienists (RDHs) in Manitoba, our mandate is the protection of the public. The College uses the professional conduct review process to address allegations of unacceptable conduct or practice by dental hygienists.
Complaints about a current or former registrant of the CDHM may come from a member of the public, a Registered Dental Hygienist, the Registrar of the College or an employer.
Note: A complaint can be made up to 5 years after a registrant has cancelled their registration.
How to make a complaint about a dental hygienist to the CDHM
There is no standard of proof required to file a complaint. The inquiry process is structured to serve members of the public or employers who are concerned as to whether a specific dental hygienist is providing safe and competent client care.
Complaints about the professional conduct of a dental hygienist must be submitted, in writing, to the Registrar/Executive Director by email, registrar@cdhm.info or regular mail.
The complaint must include:
- The name of the dental hygienist.
- A detailed description of the circumstances that led to your concern, including the date, time, and location of any specific incidents.
- Supporting documentation if available.
- Notes or witnessed accounts of the alleged conduct if available.
- Your name, address, email, home phone and cell phone numbers.
- Any other information that may be relevant.
A written complaint against a registrant of the College will be forwarded to the Complaints Committee by the Registrar. The Registrar will notify the complainant and the registrant (respondent) who will be required to acknowledge receipt of the complainant.
The Complaint Process
Read about the Complaint Process
The complaint process is in place to address allegations of unacceptable conduct or practice by dental hygienists. This involves investigation, discipline, and appeal processes.
The goal of the professional conduct review process is to achieve an appropriate balance between the safety and interests of the public and the roles and responsibilities of dental hygienists as health care professionals. Whenever possible, complaints are resolved through education and remediation.
The Process
Upon receipt of the complaint, the Complaints Committee will review all documents related to the complaint. The Committee may resolve the complaint and/or may enlist the services of an investigator.
The complaint and inquiry processes will be conducted in accordance with section 18 through 48 of The Dental Hygienists Act.
Inquiry Committee
Following an investigation or the breach of an undertaking, a matter may be referred to the Inquiry Committee for a hearing. The Inquiry Committee may consist of members and former members of the College as well as public representatives. When a matter is referred to the Inquiry Committee, the chair or vice-chair of the Inquiry Committee selects a panel from among the members of the Inquiry Committee to hold a hearing.
Professional Conduct Decisions
Review Professional Conduct Decisions
This table is provided to demonstrate the open and transparent nature of the College’s professional conduct review process and highlight the types of actions, behaviors, conduct and activities that result in discipline or censure. The decisions were made in response to complaints received by the CDHM.