The Health Professions Act defines sexual abuse of and sexual misconduct towards patients and sets penalties for health professionals who participate in this unprofessional conduct. This guideline explores how dental hygienists can conduct themselves in accordance with the Health Professions Act, including listing considerations for interacting with patients and identifying whether dental hygienists can provide care to their spouse or partner.

Includes information about:

• Unprofessional conduct
• Zero tolerance for sexual abuse of or sexual misconduct towards patients
• Defining sexual abuse and sexual misconduct
• Providing dental hygiene services to a spouse of partner
• Professional conduct with patients
• Mandatory reporting (duty to report)

Penalties for sexual abuse and sexual misconduct

DOWNLOAD PREVENTING SEXUAL ABUSE AND SEXUAL MISCONDUCT TOWARDS PATIENTS (PDF)