About the Profession of Denturism

Denturism and the Scope of Practice
Governing the Profession

Denturism and the Scope of Practice

The denturist is a registered oral health care professional who performs a variety of intra-oral procedures and related activities pertaining to the design, construction, repair or alteration of removable dentures for the fully or partially edentulous patient in a variety of practice environments. In all activities and all environments, the denturist works independently with the patient, and collaboratively with other health care providers where necessary or appropriate. As a member of a self-regulated profession, a denturist must practise safely, ethically and effectively for the promotion of oral-health and well-being of the public in Ontario.

The denturist must be educated to be able to fulfill responsibilities in the areas of:

1. Complete denture fabrication
2. Partial denture design and fabrication
3. Immediate denture fabrication
4. Implant supported denture fabrication
5. Relines, rebases and repairs of patient or practitioner removable dentures

The process of care of denturism involves the following procedures and activities that are undertaken in seven phases:

1. Patient history / Assessment of oral conditions
2. Treatment planning and design
3. Impressions
4. Assessment of centric and protrusive occlusion
5. Try-in
6. Insertion
7. Professional records and responsibilities

In accordance with the Denturism Act, 1991, which relates to the regulation of the profession of denturism in Ontario, the practice of denturism is the assessment of arches missing some or all teeth and the design, construction, repair, alteration, ordering and fitting of removable dentures.

Governing the Profession

Ontario Denturists operate within the framework of the Regulated Health Professions Act. This law sets out the professional obligations of all regulated health professionals and also requires that they be members of a governing College whose role is to protect the public interest.

The College of Denturists of Ontario takes this task seriously by:

Setting the qualifications for entering practice, and developing programs to ensure continuing competence and knowledge of the latest procedures.

Overseeing the professional and ethical behavior of all Denturists. The College conducts investigations when complaints are received. Complaints can be from patients, other Denturists or from members of the public.

Holding disciplinary hearings (which are generally open to the public) when information justifies them, and imposing penalties when a Denturist is found guilty of professional misconduct which means that the standards of the profession have been breached.

The structure of the College of Denturists reflects its varied roles, particularly its responsibility to protect the public interest respecting denture services.

The College's governing council consists of Denturists elected by their peers and public members. The purpose of this web site is to help you understand just how the profession of Denturism is governed in Ontario, how standards are set and maintained, how the public interest is protected, and how you as a member of the public are involved in the process. It is designed to give you some insight into the governing body responsible for regulating the practice of Denturism in this province, the College of Denturists of Ontario, to which all practising Denturists in this province belong.

Since 1994, the College has done much to enhance the practice of Denturism in Ontario. Because of the many advances that characterize dental health care, we work diligently to provide guidance on new procedures and treatment, and provide encouragement and direction to practitioners to maintain their skills and knowledge.

If you have comments, or any questions regarding the practice of denturism in Ontario or the College's role in regulating it, telephone, write or fax us at the address below.

180 Bloor Street West, Suite 903
Toronto, Ontario
M5S 2V6

Telephone: 416-925-6331 or 1-888-236-4326
Fax: 416-925-6332
E-mail: info@denturists-cdo.com