Performance Expectations

The dental hygienist must… 

1. Comply with applicable provincial occupational health and safety legislation.  
2. Comply with applicable federal and provincial radiation protection legislation and codes, including Safety Code 30.  
3. Only use medical devices and equipment:  
1. That are compliant with legislation;  
2. That are approved for use by Health Canada; and   
3. According to manufacturer’s instructions for use.  
4. Apply appropriate infection prevention and control measures to prevent the transmission of infectious agents in compliance with legislation, standards, ethical principles, and guidelines including:  
1. Alberta Health Reusable & Single-Use Medical Devices Standards; and 
2. Council-approved infection prevention and control requirements and guidelines. 
5. Determine and take reasonable steps to ensure workplace policies and procedures reflect applicable legislation, standards, ethical principles, and guidelines. These policies and procedures include but are not limited to: 
1. Following manufacturer’s recommended service schedules and maintaining detailed service records; 
2. Handling and storing drugs and hazardous products safely;  
3. Disposing drugs, biomedical, and other hazardous wastes safely;  
4. Disposing equipment and supplies safely;  
5. Ensuring that emergency medical equipment, supplies, and drugs are appropriate to the practice setting, readily accessible, and appropriately stored and/or maintained in accordance with manufacturer instructions; and 
6. Following appropriate emergency protocols. 
6. Follow workplace policies and procedures to protect patients, themselves, and others from illness and injury.  
7. Recognize, respond to, and document adverse events and close calls, and participate in processes to prevent future occurrences.  
8. Disclose to the patient if there is a risk of harm or if harm has occurred. 
9. Acquire the necessary education and training to competently apply appropriate emergency response skills that meet or exceed any minimum requirements (e.g., CPR, oxygen administration, first aid).  
10. Identify, report, and mitigate potential risks that may impact safety in the workplace (e.g., working alone, environmental hazards, biological hazards, safety and function of equipment).  
11. Be aware of their personal immunization status and how it could impact risk related to the transmission of infection.  

Patient Expectations

The patient can expect the dental hygienist to deliver services safely, follow appropriate infection prevention and control measures, and respond appropriately to any event that could result in harm or has caused harm.