Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. All members that are registered with the College must complete the renewal process each year.

Members who wish to resign their certificate of registration are asked to complete and submit the Resignation Declaration Form prior to the renewal deadline of March 31^st.

Annual renewal of your Certificate of Registration is accomplished online by logging in to your profile through the Member Portal. If you require assistance with this process, please feel free to contact the College staff.

The College accepts Visa and MasterCard and cheques payable to “the College of Denturists of Ontario”.

No. You only receive 1 certificate which is issued when you are first registered. You may request a duplicate certificate by completing and submitting the Duplicate Certificate of Registration Application Form.

All registered members must update their insurance information in their member profile through the Member Portal prior to the expiry of their policy. The College does not update this information for members.

Members who have not completed the minimum number of CPD credits for the year or cycle may submit a request for an extension. This request must be received 30 days prior to the renewal deadline of March 31. All exemption requests are reviewed by the Quality Assurance Committee. More information regarding CPD credit requirements can be found in the CPD Guide.

No. The College does not provide legal or accounting advice. For advice on any matters beyond incorporation application requirements, the College recommends consulting a lawyer and/or accountant.

Applications forms are available on our website at Applying for a Certificate of Authorization.

When all application requirements have been met, the processing time for a certificate of authorization is approximately two to three weeks.

The name of your health profession corporation may be different from your clinic name. Pursuant to section 10.(5) of the Ontario Business Corporations Act, the professional corporation name, must appear legibly on all of the following:

• Contracts;
• Invoices;
• Negotiable Instruments (i.e. cheques, drafts, bonds etc.);
• Orders for goods or services; and
• In all documents sent to the Director of the corporation.

No. The the College cannot back-date certificates of authorization. The effective date of the certificate will be the date the application is approved.

Shareholders of the corporation must hold a current certificate of registration with the College of Denturists of Ontario.

Yes. All shareholders of the corporation must be listed under the section titled “Shareholders”.

Yes. Under the Regulated Health Professions Act (RHPA), corporations are required to notify the Registrar of any changes to the status of their shareholders in their corporation. Further, the RHPA requires that notice of shareholder change be provided within 15 days of the change. Notice of changes to shareholders to the College are made with the Notice of Change to Shareholders Form.  

Complete and submit a Notice of Change to Shareholders Form immediately, including a brief explanation of the reason why it wasn’t submitted within the 15 day notice period.

The name of a health profession corporation must strictly adhere to the required format and contain no additional words or characters. It must include the following:

• the words “Professional Corporation”, or “Societe Professionnelle.”
• the name of the corporation must indicate the health profession (Denturist) to be practised by registered members of the College through the corporation.
• the surname of one or more shareholders of the corporation as listed on the College’s Public Register.
• may also include the Denturist shareholders’ given name(s), one or more of the Denturist shareholders’ initials or a combination of his or her given name and initials.

Examples:

• J. Smith Denturist Professional Corporation
• John Smith Denturist Professional Corporation
• J. Smith and T. Brown Denturists Professional Corporation
• Jane Smith & Ted Brown Denturists Professional Corporation
• Jane Smith Denturologiste Societe Professionnelle
• Smith Denturist Professional Corporation
• Smith Denturologiste Societe Professionnelle

The application fee for a new certificate of authorization is $1,000 (+HST). Payment of the fee is non-refundable and must be paid by credit card, cheque, money order or bank draft. Please make cheques payable to “The College of Denturists of Ontario”.

Yes. The application fee for a new certificate of authorization is $1,000 + HST (no matter when you apply during the year) and the annual renewal fee is due not later than 11:59 p.m. on March 31 of each year.

No. A copy of the Certificate of Incorporation is acceptable.

Yes. The regulations require a copy of the Certificate of Amendment. It does not have to be a certified copy.

No. The corporation profile report does not need to be certified.

You may order a corporation profile report from the following service providers of the Ministry of Government Services:

• Ontario Business Registry
• ServiceOntario
• Dye & Durham (eCore)
• ESC Corporate Services (Registry Complete)

The renewal fee is $350 (+ HST). Payment is made on-line along with the renewal of your certificate of authorization.

The registration year for corporations set by the College is April 1^st to March 31^st. Certificates of authorization must be renewed online by March 31^st of each year.

Members are responsible for updating changes to their information by logging onto their profile in the Member’s Portal.

Members have a separate user name and password for their health profession corporation account. This information is sent to you when you receive your Certificate of Authorization. Please contact the College at info@denturists-cdo.com if you require assistance.

As a practising Denturist, the College requires that you have your clinic name approved by the Executive Committee of Council unless you are using your own name as recorded in the CDO's Register (e.g. "John Doe Denture Clinic"). The policy governing the naming of denture clinics are currently outlined in the Clinic Name Policy and the Guide to Clinic Naming.

The Executive Committee meets approximately 4 times and year, approximately 2 weeks prior to a Council meeting. Please review the Council Meeting dates for the next meeting or contact the College.

The cost is $25.00 (+ HST) and can be paid by Visa, MasterCard or by cheque payable to “The College of Denturists of Ontario”.

No. However, providing two names is recommended.

The Executive Committee considers the following criteria when deciding whether to approve a Clinic Name:

1. Shall not be perceived as superior ("better than") * (i.e. Best, Number 1, 1^st, Perfect, Elite)
2. Can be based on immediate geographic location
3. Similar sounding names are not permitted within the same municipality or proximity
4. Shall not hold profession in disrepute
5. Shall not misrepresent themselves

If you wish to use a name other than your full name or initial and full last name accompanied by Denture Clinic, you must complete the clinic name application process and submit your application to the College for approval.

When choosing a name for a clinic, members should be aware that if the name includes a geographic location and the clinic subsequently moves to a different geographic location, the name of the clinic will need to be changed to reflect the new location.

Members who are using a clinic name other than their name as recorded in the CDO Register (e.g. “John Doe Denture Clinic”) should complete the Clinic Name Application Form and submit it to the College for approval. If you are using a clinic name that has not been approved by the College, there is the risk that this clinic name may be approved for another Denturist by the College.

No. The College will review names previously approved or declined by the Executive Committee but it is your responsibility to do a proper name search. You should make a provincial business name search; search your local Yellow Pages Directory and the internet to confirm the name is not already in use by a Denturist in your area.

No. New owners of an existing clinic cannot use the name of the previous owner when the business is purchased since the clinic name must include the name of the current owner. However, the clinic can include in its advertising that the clinic formerly operated under the name of the previous clinic.

Registration of a clinic name with the College, or inclusion in the College’s register, does not protect the name of a clinic. Members should consult with their own legal counsel for advice on how to protect the name of a clinic or business.

If you are incorporating your clinic, then you will also have to submit the name to the Ontario government as part of the incorporation process. The Ontario government will make a determination about whether it accepts the name of the corporation. If the name of the business is different than the name of the corporation, the business name will also have to be registered with the Ontario government. Business name registration applies to:

• Sole proprietorships
• Partnerships

For more information on incorporating in Ontario please follow this link:
https://www.ontario.ca/page/start-run-and-change-corporation

No, you are required to seek approval from the College first.

Please note that registration of the clinic name with the Ontario government does not mean that the name will be approved by the Executive Committee. Further, approval by the Executive Committee does not mean that the Ontario government will register the name.

Anyone, including patients, their family members, work colleagues, employers and other health care professionals. The College considers all complaints and concerns that are brought forward, whatever the source.

The law governing health professions does not permit the College to award compensation of any kind. The law only permits the ICRC to make a decision about a Denturist’s conduct and/or actions. The Committee cannot, by law, award compensation of any kind. Only the courts have that authority.

Before you make a formal complaint to the College about your denture care, the College recommends that, where possible, you discuss these concerns with your Denturist.

If you have questions about the complaint process or need more information on how to submit a complaint, you can review the Guide to the Complaint Process or contact the College at 416-925-6331 or 1-888-236-4326 extension 225.

Complaints that are filed with the College must be in writing or by a recordable medium such as audio, videotape, or film.  Your complaint can be sent to the College by surface mail or by e-mail.  For your convenience the College can provide you with a copy of our Complaint Submission Form to fill out.

The College cannot accept a complaint by telephone.

No.  However, it is best to make a complaint within a reasonable time frame after the occurrence of the event which lead to your complaint. This can also help the College address issues that may include a current risk to other patients.

When the College receives a formal complaint, a letter acknowledging receipt of the complaint is sent to the individual who filed the complaint.  To preserve confidentiality, all correspondence from the College will be sent by regular mail.

The Inquiries, Complaints and Reports Committee (ICRC) considers all complaints that are submitted to the College.  The members of the ICRC are appointed by Council and include members of the profession and members of the public who are appointed by the Lieutenant Governor in Council.    College staff facilitates the work of the ICRC but are not members of the ICRC, nor are they involved in the ICRC’s decision-making. 

When the College receives a complaint, a copy of the complaint is provided to the Denturist identified in the complaint.  The Denturist has 30 days to submit a written response to the College.  You will then have an opportunity to review the Denturist’s response.  Unless there is a concern for personal safety, your name and the nature of your complaint will be shared with the Denturist.

College staff or an appointed investigator will undertake a full and impartial investigation. In the investigation, the College gathers relevant information that includes written submissions from both the patient and the Denturist, as well as any other health care practitioners who were involved in the care under question.  The College may request records and patient charts.  The ICRC may also ask for expert assessment of the matter.  An appointed investigator may also contact any third-parties involved, such as your insurance company.

The ICRC decides whether the information gathered during the investigation supports the claims made in the complaint. Among its options, the ICRC may:

• Take no further action.
• Issue advice in the form of a written reminder, issue a verbal caution, if the ICRC believes the Denturist would benefit from direction on conducting him or herself in the future.
• Require the Denturist to appear before the panel of the ICRC in Toronto to be cautioned.
• Direct or accept the Denturist’s agreement to participate in training or educational programs to improve his or her practice.
• Refer the Denturist to a panel of the ICRC if there are concerns that the Denturist’s health may be affecting his or her ability to practise.
• Decide not to investigate because the complaint is frivolous, vexatious, made in bad faith or is an abuse of process.
• Refer specified allegations of professional misconduct or incompetence to the Discipline Committee.

If a referral to the Discipline Committee occurs, the College will inform you of how you will continue to be involved in the process.

The ICRC is not a fact-finding committee. It does not conduct hearings in which findings of guilt or innocence are established.  The ICRC cannot:

• Require the Denturist to apologize to the complainant.
• Require another administrative body or organization to change a decision regarding the subject matter of the complaint (e.g. an insurance company changing the provision of benefits).
• Require an employer to sanction a Denturist.

Once the ICRC makes a decision about a complaint, both you and the Denturist will be sent a written copy of the Committee’s decision and reasons for the decision.
 

Yes.  On request of either party, an independent provincial board called the Health Professions Appeal and Review Board may review the ICRC’s decision. 

Click here for information on the Health Professions Appeal and Review Board Complaint Review Process

The only exceptions to this right of review are found with cases that the ICRC has referred to the Discipline Committee or to the Fitness to Practise Committee.
 

The law requires that a complaint should be closed within 150 calendar days. If this isn’t possible, the College will provide you with updates on the progress of your complaint after 150 days. You can contact the College any time for a status update about your complaint.

If you wish to withdraw your complaint, you must make a written request to the ICRC.  The Inquiries, Complaints and Reports Committee will carefully consider the issue(s) raised in your complaint.  If the ICRC is of the opinion that the issue(s) within the complaint place the public at risk, the Committee can decide to continue with its investigation.

The Discipline Committee considers the most serious cases where a member may be incompetent or may have committed an act of professional misconduct. Discipline hearings are open to the public.

The Fitness to Practise Committee hears cases where a member may be suffering from a health condition or disorder that may be affecting their ability to engage in competent practice. Because of the sensitive and confidential nature of the issues involved in these fitness to practise cases, these hearings are closed to the public.

All information about the complaints process – including the name of the complainant and the Denturist – is confidential, unless the matter is referred to the Discipline Committee or the Fitness to Practise Committee.

According to the Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991 after a disciplinary or fitness to practise hearing, the College is required to make certain information available on its public register.

No. In accordance with Section 36 (3) of the RHPA, no report or decision of a proceeding is admissible in a civil proceeding.

Full details regarding the Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Program are contained in the CPD Guide. 

All members who hold an active Certificate of Registration with the College are required to participate in CPD.

To be eligible for CPD credits, activities must have significant intellectual and/or practical content related to the practice of denturism and/or the management of the denturist practice. Activities can also be related to broader professional Activities.

Activities that are eligible for CPD credit can be either Structured or Unstructured:

Structured Learning Activities
Structured learning activities are active/interactive learning programs. These activities generally have structured agendas, specified learning objectives, and interaction with other members of the profession or other professions. Structured activities include:

• Conferences or Lectures
• Webinars or Online Learning Modules
• Teaching (Lectures, Clinical Instruction, Study Group Mentoring)

Unstructured Learning Activities
Unstructured activities are self-directed, independent learning activities. Unstructured activities include:

• Reading profession-related books, journals, articles, research papers
• Viewing/reading/listening to professional audio/video, internet material
• Reviewing CDO regulations, standards of practice, policies, guidelines, other CDO materials
• Preparing/presenting professional presentations
• Researching/writing/editing professional publications
• Participation in professional organizations (i.e. attending meetings, peer assessor, item writer, exam assessor etc).

Time Period	Structured Learning Activities	Unstructured Learning Activities	Total
Annually	Minimum 10 credits		Minimum of 10
3 Year Cycle	Minimum of 30 Credits	Maximum of 30 Credits	60

Yes. Reporting happens at 2 levels; Annual Reporting and 3 year Cycle Reporting.
 

Yes.

Registered Denturists can log their completed CPD activities and credits in their online record through the Member Portal. To assist with accuracy in reporting, members are encouraged to log their CPD activities as they are completed.

No.

All members must participate in CPD activities as part of the QA program requirements. If a member does not report the required number of CPD credits, the QA Committee will require some follow-up, require the member to undergo a Peer & Practice Assessment or, in cases of continued non-compliance refer the matter to the Inquiries, Complaints and Reports Committee.

Yes. CPD activities can be recorded for credit if they were completed after you became registered with the College.

The College does not accredit or approve CPD courses. The College supports individual selection of CPD activities that includes reflection and self-assessment of learning needs and objectives. Members should select courses based on their self-assessments, peer & practice assessments, and professional interests.

The annual minimum requirement of 10 credits/year was established to allow for some flexibility in the amount of time that is devoted to CPD activities in any given year. This allows a member to concentrate CPD activities in a year where he/she has more time available for CPD and to complete only the minimum of 10 credits in another year. However, when possible, members should complete 20 credits/year so that they remain on track to meet the 3 year cycle requirement and avoid having to obtain a large number of credits in the last year of the 3 year cycle.

The following chart provides some examples of how members can meet the 3 year cycle requirement:

Year 1	Year 2	Year 3	Total
10	40	10	60
10	20	30	60
20	20	20	60

Please note that in each year, members are completing a minimum of 10 credits.

A discipline hearing is the final stage of the discipline process. Evidence is heard and submissions are made, usually by legal counsel, respecting the allegations of professional misconduct and/or incompetence to a panel of the Discipline Committee. Based on the information presented during the hearing, the discipline panel makes a finding as to whether or not the allegations have been proven. If there is a finding of professional misconduct and/or incompetence, the discipline panel will also hear submissions respecting penalty, and may issue an Order on penalty (example: suspension of registration) at the conclusion of the proceedings.

Yes. Hearings are open to the public unless, because of security or safety concerns, the panel has ordered otherwise. If you wish to attend a hearing please contact the College by email or by telephone at (416) 925-6331 ext. 225 or toll free at 1-888-236-4326 ext. 225.

It is considered professional misconduct when a member breaches a section of the CDO’s professional misconduct regulation. Some examples include:

• Failure to maintain the Standards of Practice
• Working while impaired
• Abusive conduct
• Performing a Controlled Act not authorized to the profession
• Providing unnecessary services
• Inadequate documentation and record keeping
• Acting in a conflict of interest
• Inappropriate business practices (i.e. falsifying a record, charging excessive fees, failing to carry professional liability insurance)
• Disgraceful, dishonourable, unethical, and unprofessional conduct (i.e. that demonstrates a lack of integrity, dishonesty, abuse of power, disregard for public welfare and safety)
• Sexual abuse of a patient

The parties include the College (represented by its legal counsel, the prosecutor) and the Denturist (generally represented by his or her own lawyer, the defence counsel). Legal counsel is not required for members referred to a discipline hearing.

The College is required to provide the Denturist and/or his or her lawyer with all relevant information obtained during the investigation. That includes written and documentary evidence to be introduced, the identity of any expert witnesses, summaries of the evidence they will give, and the identity of any other witnesses who will appear.

The disciplinary process can include a pre-hearing conference and a formal hearing.

After a case has been referred to the Discipline Committee, a first step may be to hold a pre-hearing conference. Both parties must agree to participate in this process. Through informal and unrecorded discussions, an attempt is made to determine if a settlement can be reached.

Any proposed settlement must have the support of the member of the Discipline Committee acting as chair during this conference. The agreement is then presented to a panel of the Discipline Committee, often in the form of an agreed statement of facts.

The panel considers whether the terms of the settlement will protect the public. The panel is not bound by the recommendation.

Hearings proceed in a manner similar to proceedings in a court of law. If the Inquiries, Complaints and Reports Committee refers a matter to the Discipline Committee, the College will present evidence before a panel of the Discipline Committee that consists of Denturists and members of the public. The panel is independent of the College.

A hearing is a formal process, much like that of a court of law. Hearings are open to the public.

A panel is comprised of at least 3 and no more than 5 individuals. At least two panel members must be members of Council who are appointed by the Lieutenant Governor in Council,  and at least one of the members of the panel shall be both a member of the College and a member of Council. 

At the hearing the panel will:

• consider the allegations, hear the evidence and determine the facts of the case;
• determine whether the evidence proves the allegations;
• determine whether the Denturist has committed an act of professional misconduct or is incompetent;
• determine any penalty when there is a finding of guilt or incompetence; and
• determine costs.

Findings are published on the College’s website, and made available on the Public Register, indefinitely.

In most cases, one year after the Certificate of Registration was revoked or suspended.

If the revocation was ordered because of sexual abuse, the member must wait five years to apply for reinstatement.

Under Ontario law it is considered to be sexual abuse when a regulated health professional touches, behaves or makes remarks of a sexual nature towards a patient, including having physical sexual relations with a patient. 

If a Denturist is dating a patient and doing any of these things it constitutes sexual abuse. It does not matter if the patient starts the relationship or consents to the relationship. 

Being found guilty of sexual abuse can result in a Denturist having their registration with the College revoked, meaning they can no longer practice as a Denturist.  Specifically, if the sexual abuse consisted of, or included, any of the following,

1. sexual intercourse,
2. genital to genital, genital to anal, oral to genital, or oral to anal contact,
3. masturbation of the Denturist by, or in the presence of, the patient,
4. masturbation of the patient by the Denturist,
5. encouragement of the patient by the Denturist to masturbate in the presence of the Denturist,

a Discipline Panel is required to revoke a Denturist’s registration with the College.

First, you’ll speak with our Sexual Abuse Liaison about what’s involved. She has training in sexual abuse and is sensitive to what you’ve been through. You can speak to her anonymously or arrange to meet with her in person by calling Tera Goldblatt at 416-925-6331 ext. 223 or emailing tgoldblatt@denturists-cdo.com.

If you file a complaint, your complaint will be transferred to an investigator for a formal investigation. The investigator will contact you and ask you to describe what happened in as much detail as possible. You’ll also be asked to sign a consent form so we can obtain your medical records.

We understand that many patients will find it very difficult to come forward with a complaint about sexual abuse and patients will want to protect their privacy. While you can contact the College anonymously and make general inquiries, once you reveal the Denturist’s identity, we may need to act on that information as part of our legal obligation to protect the public.  You should be aware that if we proceed with an investigation, we must disclose your name to the Denturist who is being investigated so that they have an opportunity to respond.

Disciplinary hearings at the College are much like court proceedings:

• A lawyer is appointed by the College to prosecute your case. 
• A panel of Denturists and members of the public hear evidence on both sides and make a ruling based on that evidence.
• You may be asked to testify. Both the College’s lawyer and the Denturist’s lawyer may ask you questions.
• The public and the media may be allowed to attend the hearing, and the media can publish the name of the Denturist.  
• You can request a publication ban of your name. 

You may want to, although you are not required to, retain a lawyer to assist you with the process. The College will provide you with a support person from our staff to assist you with the entire process.

Coming forward will likely be difficult, but there are good reasons for reporting:

• You could help the College ensure that what happened to you does not happen to someone else.
• Having your complaint taken seriously may help you find closure and healing.
• Speaking publicly about your experience might encourage other sexual abuse victims to speak up.
• The law may have been broken.

Inappropriate behaviours can be obvious or subtle, and words can be as damaging as actions.  The following list includes some examples of actions or behaviours that may be inappropriate on the part of a Denturist.

Please contact the College if you experience any of the following:

• Any unwanted sexual attention or behaviour, (e.g. kissing or hugging in a sexual way).
• Touching of a sexual nature.  Clearly, touching of a patient’s breasts, buttocks, or genitals is never required or appropriate in the context of providing denturism care to a patient.  Consequently, any touching of these body parts would amount to sexual abuse of a patient. That said, touching of a sexual nature is not restricted to these body parts.  If a Denturist touches another body part (say the face) in a sexual manner, that touching could constitute sexual abuse.  To be clear, touching of the face in a non-sexual manner is clinically appropriate for the purposes of providing denturism care but touching the same body part in a sexual manner would constitute sexual abuse.   
• Sexually suggestive or seductive remarks, (e.g. comments about your sexual relationships or sexual orientation, or inappropriate sexual remarks or questions about your appearance or clothing etc.).
• Sexually insulting or offensive comments or jokes.
• Being asked to meet you outside the clinic or practice setting.
• Being asked to have an intimate, personal relationship with you, (e.g. dating).
• Not asking for permission before touching.

Yes.  You can ask that an action be stopped anytime if you are feeling uncomfortable.  Consent to an activity is up to you, and you can withdraw it at any time.  You can also ask the Denturist to explain what they are doing and why they are doing it.

In order to assess and provide treatment to patients, Denturists use their hands to touch maxillofacial area.  When that happens, you should expect the Denturist to:

• Tell you what they are going to do before touching you.
• Ask for your permission to touch you.
• Give you the opportunity to ask questions or express any concerns.
• Treat you with respect.

If you are being sexually abused or have reason to suspect that someone else is being sexually abused by a Denturist, please contact the College of Denturists of Ontario.  The College takes these matters seriously and will investigate the matter.

The College administers a fund to cover the specific costs of any therapy or counselling that patients need related to sexual abuse by a Denturist as well as funding that supports access to therapy or counselling for victims of alleged sexual abuse.  More information can be found on the Funding for Therapy & Counselling page of the College’s website.  You are also welcome to contact the College of Denturists of Ontario for information on the fund and to learn about your eligibility.

If you have been sexually abused by a member of the College of Denturists of Ontario, you may qualify for this program. A person is eligible for funding if any of the following situations apply:

1. It is alleged (in a complaint or report) that you, while you were a patient, were sexually abused by a Denturist;
2. There has been a finding by a panel of the College’s Discipline Committee that you, while you were a patient, was sexually abused by a Denturist;
3. A Denturist enters into an undertaking with the College to provide funding for therapy and counselling;
4. There is an admission made by a Denturist in a statement to the College or in an agreement with the College that they sexually abused you while you were a patient of the Denturist;
5. A Denturist has been convicted under the Criminal Code of Canada of sexually assaulting you while you were a patient of a Denturist and the facts supporting the sexual assault constitute sexual abuse within the meaning of the Health Professions Procedural Code;
6. There is a statement, contained in the written reasons of a committee of the College given after a hearing, that you were sexually abused by a Denturist while you were a patient; or
7. There is sufficient information presented to the Patient Relations Committee to support a reasonable belief that you, while you were a patient, were sexually abused by a Denturist.

No.  You do not have to wait until the complaints or discipline process has concluded.  You can apply for funding for therapy and counselling at any time after filing a complaint. 

In fact, filing a complaint with the College alleging that a Denturist has sexually abused you while you were a patient is one of the eligibility criteria for receiving funding.    

The College requires that you complete an Application for Funding for Therapy and Counselling. This form provides the Patient Relations Committee with the information required to assess your eligibility.  On the form, you will need to indicate which category of eligibility you fall under (as described above). You do not need to have a therapist or counsellor identified to apply for funding.

If you have a therapist or counsellor or know who you would like to see, you will need to complete a Therapist or Counsellor Information Form.  This form contains the information needed to process payments to the therapist or counsellor, and both you and therapist or counsellor must complete parts of it.  Please note that this form must be completed before funding can begin.

College staff will contact you to confirm receipt of your application, and will tell you whether any additional information is required.  You will also be notified of the timelines associated with the Patient Relations Committee’s review of your application. 

If the College wishes to recover the costs of therapy from the Denturist, they will be notified of your application. Also, if a discipline hearing against the Denturist is pending, disclosure obligations may require that the Denturist receives a copy of the funding application.

No. The Patient Relations Committee makes its decision based on a review of your written application.

No.

The maximum funding available to each applicant for therapy or counselling is established by the legislation, and is equivalent to the amount that the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) would pay for 200 half-hour sessions of individual out-patient psychotherapy with a psychiatrist. This funding amounts to approximately $16,000 per person and is accessible over a five-year period. The legislation further provides that the funding provided is reduced by the amount that OHIP or a private insurer is willing to pay. The funding is paid directly to the therapist or counsellor.

The College may provide additional funding for certain expenses associated with accessing therapy or counselling related to the sexual abuse. This support funding is only available concurrently with therapy or counselling that a patient is receiving pursuant to the legislation. The total amount of support funding available is $9,000. The $9,000 may be used towards any of the following expenses:

• Medication, treatments and remedies;
• Dependent care; and
• Travel expenses

For details on the additional support funding that is available please see the College’s Funding for Therapy or Counselling Eligibility Policy.

The Patient Relations Committee will consider specific requests for therapy or counselling and support funding and will determine whether the requests are captured by the legislation or by the College’s support funding policy.

Yes. 

The legislation states that the funding can only be provided for five years from:

1. the day on which you first received therapy or counselling approved by the Patient Relations Committee; or
2. if you request reimbursement for past therapy or counselling costs, the five-year period will begin on the date you first received therapy or counselling.

Yes. 

You may choose any therapist or counsellor.  In order to receive funding, the therapist or counsellor you choose cannot have any family relationship with you and cannot have been found guilty of professional misconduct of a sexual nature or been found liable by a court for an act of a similar nature. You can choose a therapist or counsellor who is not a regulated health professional; however, you will be asked to verify that you understand that there is no avenue for professional discipline for therapists or counselors who are not regulated health professionals.  

Yes. You may use the maximum funding for therapy within the five-year limitation for as many therapists or counsellors as you think will be helpful to you.  

The College will send you a letter once a year keeping you informed as to how much money is left for the costs of your therapy. You can also contact the College at any time to inquire about the balance of your funding.

You should be aware that a decision by the Patient Relations Committee that you are eligible for funding does not constitute a finding of professional misconduct against a Denturist. It will not be considered by any other Committee of the College dealing with your complaint.

For more information, you may contact our Sexual Abuse Liaison. You can speak to her anonymously or arrange to meet with her in person by calling Catherine Mackowski at 416-925-6331 ext. 225 or emailing cmackowski@denturists-cdo.com​. 

Some people may believe that a definition of sexual abuse is subjective. This is not the case in Ontario when it comes to the sexual abuse of patients by regulated healthcare providers. The Regulated Health Professions Act sets out a clear definition of the sexual abuse of patients. The definition of “sexual abuse” of a patient by a member means:

1. sexual intercourse or other forms of physical sexual relations between the member and the patient,
2. touching, of a sexual nature, of the patient by the member, or
3. behaviour or remarks of a sexual nature by the member towards the patient.

Even if the patient consents, Denturists are not allowed to have a sexual relationship with a patient, in or out of the clinical or practice setting.  The Denturist is always the one responsible for understanding and maintaining appropriate professional boundaries with a patient.

The definition of sexual abuse includes conduct, behaviour or remarks made to a Denturist’s spouse if they occur during the practice of the profession. This is true even if the intimate relationship began before the Denturist-patient relationship began.

Effective October 21, 2021, there is an exception made for the spouse of a denturist. Accordingly, denturists are now permitted to treat their “spouse” as defined in section 1(6) of the Health Professions Procedural Code.^₁  This exception is not retroactive and any denturist who treated their spouse prior to October 21, 2021, could still be found to have sexually abused a patient. 

Regardless of this spousal exception, it is still considered sexual abuse if the conduct, behaviour or remarks made towards a member’s spouse occurs during the practice of the profession.
 

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¹ 1(6) “spouse”, in relation to a member, means,

• (a)  a person who is the member’s spouse as defined in section 1 of the Family Law Act, or
• (b)  a person who has lived with the member in a conjugal relationship outside of marriage continuously for a period of not less than three years.

Denturists must maintain professional boundaries in all circumstances. This includes recognizing signs of a potentially inappropriate interaction and taking steps to deal with it—even when initiated by a patient. 

Not dealing with the patient’s behaviour directly may have serious consequences. If you respond in a similarly flirtatious or joking manner, the patient could interpret your actions as a willingness to begin a relationship. Even ignoring or staying silent on the patient’s behaviour may indicate to the patient that you are willing to begin a relationship.

Even though it may be uncomfortable, you cannot ignore the situation.  It is your professional responsibility to tactfully put a stop to the patient’s behaviour.

As the student’s supervising Denturist, you have an obligation to intervene. Explain to the student why having coffee with a patient may be a problem. Find out if the student can understand the differences between a therapeutic relationship and a personal one. Even though they are still a student there is a power imbalance in favour of the student.  The denturism student has knowledge and skills and may hold private knowledge about the patient. You and the student are responsible for setting professional boundaries to maintain a safe therapeutic environment for the patients.

A Denturist must maintain professional boundaries with each patient. Seeing a patient socially moves the relationship from a professional to a personal relationship. 

Consider some of the challenges that may arise with attending these social gatherings: 

Privacy: you cannot discuss any health information outside of the clinical setting.

Communication: a Denturist needs to ensure discussions with patients about their care remains within a clinical setting.

Maintaining professional objectivity: moving from a professional to a personal relationship may impact your ability to remain objective during delivery of care.

There are no simple yes or no answers to these questions, but a Denturist should carefully consider the impact that attending such a function might have on their professional relationship with a patient.

If the co-worker is a Denturist or a member of another regulated health profession (e.g., a Dentist) you must make what is called a “mandatory report”. If the co-worker is a Denturist, you must file the mandatory report with this College; if the co-worker is a member of another regulated health profession you must file the mandatory report with their college.  You cannot include the name of the patient who may have been sexually abused in the mandatory report unless the patient, or if the patient is incapable, the patient’s representative, consents in writing to including the patient’s name.

Denturists, and those who employ Denturists are legally required to file a mandatory report if: 

1. they have reasonable grounds, based on information obtained in the course of practising the profession, to believe that another Denturist or a member of a different regulated health profession has sexually abused a patient. This report must be filed with the college that regulates the health professional.
2. privacy breaches related to patient health or personal information have occurred. These breaches must be reported to the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario.

Failing to file a mandatory report when required is an offence under the law that can result in a fine of up to $25,000.

If you are unsure whether a report is required you can contact the College and speak to our Sexual Abuse Liaison for assistance.

Explain to the patient about your obligation as a regulated health care professional. Explain that the law requires you to report the sexual abuse to your regulatory college.  Also explain that you will only include their name in your report if they provide you with their written consent to do so. Make sure that the patient understands that they do not need to consent even though it will assist the College with their investigation.

The Registrar will forward the report to the Inquiries, Complaints and Reports Committee. The Committee will review the report and any supporting documentation (the Denturist's response for example) and decide if there are grounds to request a formal investigation. 

The Committee can make the following decisions:

• Refer allegations of professional misconduct or incompetence to the Discipline Committee 
• Refer allegations of incapacity to the Fitness to Practise Committee 
• Issue a caution to the Denturist
• Provide advice to the Denturist 
• Negotiate an undertaking agreement with the member 
• Take no action

There is no requirement to have an additional person with you when treating patients. However, many clients feel particularly vulnerable in an oral healthcare setting. Therefore, Denturists should use their professional judgment to determine the client’s comfort level and whether the presence of an additional person is advisable. Some patients will be more comfortable if they have a friend or family member with them, or if you have another staff person in the clinic room; others may prefer to be alone with their Denturist during treatment. Some patients may be uncomfortable if the door to a clinic room where they are being treated is closed; others may wish for the privacy provided by a closed door. The key is to ensure that you are communicating with your patients in order to meet their individual needs and comfort level. 

For more information, you may contact our Sexual Abuse Liaison by calling Ms. Tera Goldblatt at 416-925-6331 ext. 223 or emailing tgoldblatt@denturists-cdo.com.

No. The online QE Initial Application must be completed and submitted with supporting documentation only prior to registering for your first attempt at the Qualifying Examination.
 

A directory of Notary Publics can be found HERE. 

The candidate is required to sign the back of one of the passport photos. These must be submitted with the QE Initial Application. 

Yes.  The College will confirm receipt and process your QE Initial Application within 3 to 5 business days.

No. The QE Initial Application is only used to create your CDO profile and confirm you have met the educational requirement.  Once you receive notification that your initial application has been processed and approved, you can register for the Qualifying Examination. 
 

You will receive a confirmation email with instructions on how to register for the exam. 
 

Yes, you will receive an email confirmation that you are registered for the exams.
 

No. Candidates may choose to take one component or both components at one time. However, candidates must successfully complete both components of the Qualifying Exam, unless they have passed one of the two components in a previous attempt. 

The QE consists of two components:

Part I: Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ) - knowledge based written exam

Part II: Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) – practical exam

Once the exam invoice has been generated, you may make smaller payments. However, payment in full is required prior to the exam registration deadline. 

 

Regretfully no.  The examination fees are set on cost recovery basis for the exam administration.  Consequently, the full exam registration fee is required for each component and at each attempt.
 

An email confirming your registration for the exam and an invitation for you to attend the mandatory candidate orientation session will be sent to all registered candidates at least 3 weeks prior to the examination.

This information will be sent via email to all registered candidates 3 weeks prior to the exam.
 

Yes. The map to the exam site is updated on the Exam Dates landing page approximately 4-6 weeks prior to the exam.
 

Parking is available in the area of the test centre. 
 

Lunch is not provided. 

Part I - MCQ: There is no official dress code. 
Part II - OSCE: Candidates are required to wear scrubs and comfortable shoes. Any logos or other identifiers (school, employer, individual) must be removed or securely and fully covered with an opaque material such as duct tape.
 

A government issued photo identification. All other materials that you will need throughout the examination will be provided to you.  
 

The following documents and links contain detailed information regarding the QE and its components.  Candidates are advised to familiarize themselves with the information contained in these documents prior to entering into the examination process:

• Exam Policies
• Part I – MCQ Protocol
• Part II – OSCE Protocol
• Qualifying Examination Blueprint

The following may be useful resources when preparing for the QE:

• Essential Competencies for Denturism Practice in Ontario, 2015
• National Competency Profile for Denturists          
• Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991
• Denturism Act, 1991
• Regulations
• By-laws
• Standards of Practice
• Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS)
• OSCE Sample Videos  
  • Part II-OSCE: Qualifying Examination Orientation Video
    
  • OSCE: Sample Interactive Station Video
    

No.  Past examination questions are not available.   The MCQ exam questions follow the very common format of a four option multiple choice question.  See Sample Questions

The OSCE stations are designed to test the competencies outlined in the QE blueprint and include two different types of stations:

• Interactive stations have a standardized patient who presents with an issue(s). The candidate is required to assess the information provided by the patient with the assistance of any props or models in the station and determine the best treatment plan and/or options for that patient.  This is similar to a consultation. There are no intraoral procedures in the OSCE examination.
  View Video of Sample OSCE Interactive Station
  
• Non-interactive stations may have pictures, models, props or diagrams and a checklist. At the non-interactive station, the candidate answers a question in a multiple-choice format after considering all of the question related materials that are provided.  

Results are available approximately 6 weeks after the completion of all exam components. You will receive an email notifying you that the examination results have been posted online. Results are released on a pass/fail basis only. When you receive this email, please log into your Candidate Profile on the College website to view your results. 

 

The College, under the direction of psychometric consultants, utilize industry best practice methodologies for high stakes testing to determine examination cut scores.

 

There are currently no restrictions on the number of attempts of the Qualifying Examination.  
 

The examination appeal policy can be found in Qualifying Examination Appeal Policy.
 

The last day to withdraw from the examination with a full refund (minus a $100 administrative fee for each component) is 15 business days prior to the scheduled examination date. This information is further described in the Qualifying Examination Refund Policy  and the Qualifying Examination Withdrawal Policy.
 

It takes approximately 2 weeks from the date a complete application is submitted.  If your application is referred to the Registration Committee, it may take up to 6 weeks to receive a decision.

You can obtain the required insurance through the insurance provider of your choice. Once your registration has been approved, you will receive an email with your registration number. Most insurance companies require you provide this number before they will process your policy request. Once you have obtained the insurance, you must provide the information to the College so a Certificate of Registration can be issued.

Article 32 of the College By-laws outline the requirements of the professional liability insurance policy:

1. a minimum of no less than $1,000,000 per occurrence;
2. annual aggregate coverage of no less than $5,000,000;
3. a deductible of no more than $1,000 per occurrence;
4. run-off coverage (sometimes called enduring or tail coverage) for a minimum of three (3) years; and
5. provided by an insurer licensed with the Financial Services Commission of Ontario, the office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions Canada or a body outside of Ontario that the Registrar considers substantially equivalent to the Financial Services Commission of Ontario.

Your Certificate of Registration will be issued once you have provided the College with your insurance policy information.

 No. Please note that the College will process applications as they are received.

No. Until your registration is approved and you have obtained the required professional liability insurance, you may not practise or hold yourself out as a Denturist.

The Registrar can refer an application to a panel of the Registration Committee if the Registrar:

1. Has doubts, on reasonable grounds, about whether the applicant fulfills the registration requirements;
2. Is of the opinion that terms, conditions or limitations should be imposed on a certificate of registration of the applicant;
3. Is of the opinion that the terms, conditions or limitations should be imposed on a certificate of registration of the applicant and the applicant does not consent to the imposition; or
4. Proposes to refuse the application.

If the Registrar refers an application to the Registration Committee the Registrar will give the applicant notice of the grounds for the referral and of the applicant’s right to make written submissions. The Registration Committee will inform the applicant, in writing, of its decision and reasons regarding the application.

The Referral of a Registration Application to the Registration Committee Policy provides further details.

You can apply for a criminal background check at your local police station. The Criminal Background Check Report Policy contains further details.

Please note that when applying for a Certificate of Registration a criminal background check is only valid for a period of 6 months.

No. If you have already submitted certain documentation to the College as part of the Qualifying Examination application process, you are not required to submit these documents again. Registration staff will inform you if any additional documentation is required.