Unauthorized Practice
The College is mandated under the Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991 to serve and protect the public interest through its regulation of the practice of dental technology. This includes protecting the public from the unauthorized practice of dental technology, including by raising public awareness.
The practice of dental technology is defined as the design, construction, repair or alteration of a dental prosthetic, restorative or orthodontic device (e.g., crowns, bridges, implants, dentures).
In Ontario, individuals who fall under the following categories are authorized to practice dental technology:
• Registrants of the College of Dental Technologists of Ontario (CDTO) holding a General Certificate of Registration;
• Members of the Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO);
• Unregulated dental technology associates supervised by a registrant of CDTO holding a General Certificate of Registration; or
• Unregulated dental technology associates supervised by a member of the RCDSO.
Individuals outside of these categories are NOT authorized to practice dental technology.
Only registrants of the CDTO are eligible to use the title “Dental Technologist” in Ontario. It is illegal to hold out or act in a manner that indicates one is qualified to supervise the practice of dental technology when they are not.
Unauthorized Practice
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Hire an RDT or a dentist registered with RCDSO to take responsibility for the practice of dental technology
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Actively verify that their employees are registered with the college and are in good standing and eligible to practice under the general certificate of registration.
The following individuals are not registrants of the College. This means that they are NOT qualified to supervise the practice of dental technology and are NOT eligible to use the title “Dental Technologist” in Ontario:
- An Truong –Mississauga, ON
- Angelo Deluca – Mississauga, ON
- Carmine Foglia – Mississauga, ON
- Ernest Molnar – Richmond Hill, ON
- Hadi Tajik – Woodbridge, ON
- Lynn LaChapelle – Sudbury, ON
- Monzer Monzer – Richmond Hill, ON
- Kamal Ahmed – Toronto, ON
- Neil Karrandjas – Toronto, ON
- Vahid Tajik – Woodbridge, ON
Individuals whose names are listed above may contact the Professional Conduct Department at 416-438-5003 if they believe that they are working under the supervision of a member of the College or RCDSO or have other relevant information to provide the College.
FAQ’s on Unauthorized Practice
Why is it important to work with an RDT?
As regulated health professionals, RDTs are held accountable for their conduct and practice, and must meet the College’s requirements, including standards of practice, continuing competence and continuing quality improvement. Working with an RDT ensures that you will receive safe, ethical and competent care.
Who can use the title of Dental Technologist?
In Ontario, only registrants registered with the College can use the restricted titles “Dental Technologist”, “Registered Dental Technologist”, a variation or abbreviation (RDT), or an equivalent in another language. Using these restricted titles without being registered is illegal.
Which legislation governs the dental technology profession?
The Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991 is an omnibus legislation that applies to all regulated health professions in Ontario. Section 32 of the Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991 outlines the supervision requirements of the practice of dental technology. Dental Technologists are also governed by the Dental Technology Act, 1991 and its regulations.
Can RDTs in the Inactive Class practice dental technology?
RDTs who are in the Inactive Class of registration are NOT permitted to practice or supervise dental technology in Ontario. However, Inactive Class members can use the title Dental Technologist. Members who practice or supervise dental technology while in the Inactive Class may face consequences through the College’s Complaints and Reports processes.
What steps does the College take against unauthorized practice?
The College takes unauthorized practice seriously and may take one or more of the following actions in the event of a concern:
• Send a cease-and-desist letter to demand that the unauthorized practice stops immediately;
• Apply to the Courts for an injunction to restrain an individual from practicing dental technology and/or for using a protected title; and/or
• Initiate a provincial offence proceeding for engaging in unauthorized practice and/or for using a protected title.
