Self-regulation for dental hygienists. The Canadian example

The policy of regulating dental hygiene practice by dental governing bodies raises concerns about market competition, service accessibility, and civil rights. In Canada, self-regulatory status has been accorded to over two-thirds of dental hygienists--those residing in Ontario and Quebec--and is being considered in Alberta. Using a public interest perspective, dental hygiene regulation in North America and the differing self-regulatory policy approaches in Quebec and Ontario are described, and implications are considered. In both provinces, the profession and its relations with other groups have changed. While the future is uncertain, service accessibility and quality assurance may improve; however, enhanced technical efficiency through labor substitution appears less likely.