2025 Annual Report
Protecting Albertans through dental hygiene regulation.
This report covers the College’s work from November 1, 2024 to October 31, 2025.
Carol Gibbons Kroeker
Council Chair & Public Member
Chair / Public Member’s Message
Continually encouraged by the dedication to the public.
As Council Chair for the Alberta College of Dental Hygienists and also a public member, I am continually encouraged by the dedication of Alberta’s dental hygienists to maintaining high standards of care for the public. This year, Council supported the College’s extensive registrant engagement on the redesign of the Continuing Competence Program and undertook a comprehensive governance review.
Introduction
The ACDH operates under a singular mandate of public protection.
The Health Professions Act (the Act, or HPA), the Dental Hygienists Profession Regulation (DHPR), and the Health Professions Restricted Activity Regulation (HPRAR) authorize the College to
- set entry-to-practice requirements,
- set and administer standards of practice, and
- resolve concerns and complaints about dental hygienists and administer disciplinary measures when necessary.
Purpose, Vision, Mission & Values
- PurposeWe are committed to supporting all Albertans in their health and wellness journey through the achievement of oral health regulatory excellence.
- VisionWe are leaders in proactively advancing regulation and protecting the public through the provision of safe, quality oral health for all Albertans.
- MissionTo ensure Alberta dental hygienists have the knowledge, skills, attitude, and judgment to provide safe, effective, ethical and beneficial oral healthcare services to the Alberta public.
Values
- AccountableWe value individual and organizational accountability by accepting responsibility for our decisions and actions.
- TransparentWe are committed to open and clear policies, procedures, and communication.
- CollaborativeWe value collaboration to create new ideas, enhance opportunities, and build relationships.
- IntegrityWe promote an environment of trust by demonstrating consistent, fair, and honest communication and behaviour.
2024–2027 Strategic Plan
A clear direction for the College.
The 2024–2027 Strategic Plan was developed and approved by the ACDH Council and went into effect on April 1, 2024. It outlines a clear direction forward for the College to be a leader in a changing regulatory environment, directly aligning with the College’s vision, mission, and values. Its four strategic priorities focus on critical areas to continue strengthening the regulation of dental hygiene in Alberta.
Priority A
Advance the continuing competence program to support registrants in enhancing their delivery of safe, high-quality care.
Objectives
- Redevelop the continuing competence program in consultation with stakeholders.
- Use data to identify gaps in registrant competence and evaluate level of risk.
- Implement best practices and regulatory tools to support registrant competence.
Priority B
Ensure registration practices continue to prioritize public safety while effectively responding to legislative changes.
Objectives
- Identify and address opportunities to increase the effectiveness of our registration practices within the context of legislation.
- Work with other Canadian dental hygiene regulators to recognize and explore solutions to the variances in regulation across provinces.
- Use data and evidence to support enhancements to our registration practices.
Priority C
Engage in collaborative and innovative approaches to drive regulatory advancements.
Objectives
- Build relationships with health regulators to be at the forefront of knowledge-sharing.
- Establish partnerships with other Alberta oral health regulators to improve operational efficiencies.
- Strengthen relationships with government to have a proactive role in legislative change.
- Identify and explore opportunities where dental hygienists can be involved in primary care initiatives.
Priority D
Demonstrate our commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility.
Objectives
- Assess and improve upon Council, College, and registrant initiatives through an EDIA lens.
Note: this priority has been put on hold due to new government legislation.