Self-regulation means that the government acknowledges that a profession’s registrants have the specialized knowledge to govern themselves and has delegated its regulatory functions. A self-regulating organization is the licensing body responsible for setting and maintaining standards of competency and conduct. It supervises registrants and enforces those standards by disciplining registrants who fail to adhere to them.

Dental technology is a self-regulated profession under the Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991 and is governed by the College of Dental Technologists of Ontario. The College sets the competency requirements and standards for entry into and the practice of the profession in order to maintain the level of professional excellence and ensure accessible, safe, ethical and high-quality healthcare for all Ontarians.

The work of the College is directed by the Board of Directors whose registrants have a legal duty to act in the best interest of the public, protect the public’s interest and follow due process and procedural fairness to the Registrant. Elected Directors of The Board play a key role in determining and setting these competency requirements and standards, but they do not do so alone. Members of the public, appointed by the Lieutenant Governor to the Board of Directors, are also key contributors to the College’s decision-making bodies, bringing broad viewpoints to the table through their varied professional backgrounds and experience.

Critical to successful self-regulation is building public confidence. With some exceptions, the Board of Directors’ decision-making is open to the public and the College is required to consult publicly on certain changes to key governing policies, such as its By-laws. The College must also provide relevant information about members of the profession so that the public can make informed and safe choices about their healthcare.

In short, the College is committed to ensuring, through the collaborative efforts of the Board of Directors and its committees, staff, registrants, and stakeholders, that the public’s interests are being met.