Mailing Address
Health Professions Regulatory Advisory Council
55 St. Clair Avenue West
Suite 806 Box 18
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
M4V 2Y7

Telephone and Facsimile
Toll-Free: 1-888-377-7746
Telephone: 416-326-1550.
Fax: 416-326-1549

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Dental Assistants - Minister's Question and HPRAC's Approach

The Minister's Question

The Minister has asked HPRAC to "advise whether the practice of dental assistants ought to be regulated under the RHPA and if so, what would be the appropriate scope of practice, controlled acts and titles authorized to the profession". He has also asked that the Council "take into account the activities these practitioners undertake with respect to x-rays and other forms of energy and the circumstances in which these are being done".

March 26, 2010
The Minister of Health and Long-Term Care, Hon. Deb. Matthews has advised HPRAC that she has revised timelines for the receipt of advice on the regulation of dental assistants to December 31, 2013.  Watch this site for updates as project schedules are revised. 

HPRAC's Approach

Following a letter from Hon. David Caplan, Minister of Health and Long-Term Care regarding timelines for HPRAC's projects, HPRAC will begin consideration of the request for advice on the regulation of dental assistants in Ontario.

When a referral is received from the Minister of Health and Long-Term Care, HPRAC determines relevant public interest concerns and questions. HPRAC attempts to understand all perspectives on an issue including those of key health care practitioners, other affected health care professionals, clients and patients, advocates and regulators. 

Each issue proceeds through a multi-stage process where information and responses are requested from and shared with all concerned stakeholders.

HPRAC will independently conduct literature, jurisdictional and jurisprudence reviews, and engage in key informant interviews.  Its analysis of the issues will lead to a determination of additional information required, and the appropriate process to be used.  Watch this site for further information.