Ontario is consulting on expanding the scope of practice for several regulated health professionals, including dental hygienists and denturists, to improve access to care.
Deputy Premier and Health Minister Sylvia Jones said Wednesday the proposal would allow a range of regulated health professionals — including dental hygienists, denturists, speech-language pathologists, physiotherapists, chiropractors and chiropodists — to order and perform certain diagnostic imaging procedures, such as X-rays, MRIs and CT scans.
The plan is part of Your Health: A Plan for Connected and Convenient Care, which aims to let health professionals work to the full extent of their training.
“By allowing regulated health professionals like denturists to perform diagnostic imaging, Ontarians will benefit from faster treatment, reduced wait times, and more comprehensive oral health care close to home,” said Anas Al Halabi, president of the Denturists Association of Ontario.
He added that the move “puts patients first and strengthens the entire health-care network. This is more than a policy shift: it is a forward-thinking investment in a stronger, more responsive health-care system.”
Roderick Tom-Ying, registrar and CEO of the College of Denturists of Ontario, said the proposal would help reduce costs to patients while promoting collaboration among providers.
“We commend the Ontario government for adapting to the evolving needs of patients and maximizing the capabilities of highly trained oral health-care professionals,” he said.
Dr. Glenn Pettifer, registrar and CEO of the College of Dental Hygienists of Ontario, also welcomed the change.
“The College of Dental Hygienists of Ontario heartily supports this initiative that will see Ontario’s registered dental hygienists practising more fully within their scope of practice and expertise,” Pettifer said. “This addition increases access for the people of Ontario to more comprehensive oral health care and supports an increase in the efficiency of the delivery of that essential care.”
The government is also consulting on other proposed changes, including:
- Granting optometrists authority to perform minor surgical procedures under local anaesthesia, use laser therapy for cataracts and glaucoma, order diagnostic tests and independently treat open-angle glaucoma.
- Allowing psychologists with advanced training in psychopharmacology to prescribe certain medications, such as antidepressants, and order diagnostic tests like urinalysis and blood work.
In addition, the Ontario College of Pharmacists has been directed to develop regulatory changes to further expand pharmacists’ scope of practice, enabling them to assess and prescribe for 14 more conditions, including mild headaches, shingles, fungal nail infections, swimmer’s ear, warts and dry eye.