Glossary

COLLABORATE: To work in partnership with the patient and/or others while maintaining a focus on the needs and goals of the patient. Collaboration may include consultations, referrals or other relationships that benefit the patient. 

CONSULTATION: A request for advice on the care of the patient from another health professional. The consultant may or may not see the patient directly. The responsibility for clinical outcomes remains with the consultee who may decide to accept or reject the advice of the consultant.¹  

DENTAL HYGIENE SERVICES: Any service that falls within the practice of the profession of dental hygienists as outlined in the Health Professions Act (Schedule 5, section 3). 

LIMITATIONS: Occur when the patient’s needs for assessment, diagnosis, or treatment are best met by another provider or in another practice setting. This can include when the patient’s needs fall outside the practice of dental hygiene or the dental hygienist’s individual competence. 

OTHERS: Those within the person’s circle of care, including health professionals, administrative personnel, cultural brokers, and those directly or indirectly involved in supporting the health and well-being of a patient. The term may also include representatives from private, voluntary, and non-profit groups, and government sectors.² 

PATIENT-CENTRED: This approach recognizes the partnership and sharing of power between the patient and health care providers to improve clinical outcomes and satisfaction with care.  It includes demonstrating attitudes and behaviours that are respectful of the whole person and their preferences.³ 

REFERRAL: An explicit request for another health professional to become involved in the care of a patient. Accountability for clinical outcomes is negotiated between the health professionals involved.⁴