ACDH Dental Hygienist Complaints in Alberta: What Dental Hygienists Should Know
The Alberta College of Dental Hygienists (ACDH) is the regulator for dental hygienists in Alberta under Health Professions Act, RSA 2000, c. H-7; Dental Hygienists Profession Regulation, Alta Reg 255/2006. Most concerns are reviewed by the Complaints Director. Serious matters may be referred to the Hearings Tribunal for a formal hearing.
What do you need help with?
Choose your profession, situation, and province to begin a tailored response.
Select your profession, situation, and province to continue.
Governing statute
Health Professions Act, RSA 2000, c. H-7; Dental Hygienists Profession Regulation, Alta Reg 255/2006
First-stage decision-maker
Complaints Director
Registrant response window
Registrant notified; no legislated public response window specified
Mailing address
302, 8657 – 51 Avenue Edmonton, AB T6E 6A8
780-465-1756
Understanding the ACDH complaints process
Dental Hygienists in Alberta are accountable to the Alberta College of Dental Hygienists (ACDH). When a concern is raised about a dental hygienist, intake staff log it, send the dental hygienist a copy of the materials, and invite a written response. The complaints stream is built around the file the Complaints Director reviews — the quality and clarity of your written response is the most important factor at this level.
Most matters resolve at the Complaints Director stage through dismissal, advice, a remedial undertaking, or a consent-style resolution. Serious matters that are not resolvable at intake may be referred to the Hearings Tribunal for a formal hearing on the record. Hearing decisions are typically posted on the regulator's public register.
Engage your professional liability insurer the day you receive the notice. Do not contact the complainant directly. Preserve all relevant records (clinical notes, billing, schedules, communications). Read the regulator's notice carefully — your deadline, the scope of the allegations, and what is being asked of you are spelled out in it.
What's distinctive about the ACDH complaints process
- Complaints Director (not a committee) makes initial triage decisions
- Sexual misconduct decisions published indefinitely; others for 10 years
- Complaint Resolution Agreements (CRA) as an alternative to a full hearing
- Government-delegated self-regulation; no separate disciplinary college
- ACDH itself holds the tribunal function
What triggers complaints against dental hygienists in Alberta
Administrative concerns
- •Practicing without a valid annual practice permit
- •Failure to complete continuing competence
- •Failure to disclose a criminal conviction or finding
- •Non-payment of registration fees
Conduct or practice concerns
- •Standards of practice violations
- •Breach of patient confidentiality
- •Sexual abuse or sexual misconduct
- •Practicing beyond authorized scope
- •Infection prevention and control failures
- •Unprofessional communication or boundary violations
How a ACDH complaint typically moves
- 1
Complaint received and acknowledged
The regulator receives the written complaint, assigns a file number, and sends a written acknowledgement to the complainant and the dental hygienist.
- 2
Notice to the dental hygienist
You are sent the complaint and supporting materials, and invited to provide a written response. The regulator's complaints staff is typically your point of contact.
- 3
Investigation
An investigator gathers records, may interview witnesses, and asks targeted questions. You have a duty to cooperate but you are entitled to counsel.
- 4
Written response from the dental hygienist
You submit a written response addressing each allegation with supporting documentation. This is usually the single most important document on the file.
- 5
Review by the Complaints Director
The Complaints Director reviews the file on the record. It can take no action, issue advice or a caution, accept an undertaking, require remediation, or refer the matter forward.
- 6
Possible referral to the Hearings Tribunal
Serious matters or unresolved factual disputes may be referred to the Hearings Tribunal for a formal hearing on the merits.
Possible outcomes
No further action or dismissal
The committee determines the complaint is unfounded, outside its jurisdiction, or does not warrant further action. The file is closed and (in most jurisdictions) does not appear on the public register.
Advice, caution, or reminder
A non-disciplinary measure intended to support reflection on practice. Usually recorded on your regulator file; often not posted publicly.
Remedial undertaking or consent agreement
A structured remedial plan, typically including coursework, mentorship, or a period of practice monitoring. Some appear on the public register.
Referral to discipline or formal hearing
A formal hearing-style proceeding before a panel that can issue findings of professional misconduct or incompetence and impose conditions, suspension, or licence revocation.
Suspension or revocation of registration
Reserved for the most serious findings, including sexual abuse, criminal-grade conduct, or repeated practice failures. Always published on the regulator's public register.
Practical tips for dental hygienists in Alberta
- Read the regulator's notice carefully. Your deadline, the scope of the allegations, and the specific information requested are spelled out in it.
- Notify your professional liability insurer the same day you receive the complaint — coverage typically includes legal representation.
- Preserve all relevant records immediately: clinical notes, billing data, schedules, and any text or email communications with the patient or colleagues.
- Do not contact the complainant directly. Communicate only through the regulator or through counsel.
- Be calm, factual, and chronological in your written response. The committee reviews the file on the record; the quality of that document drives the outcome.
Explore More Licensing Guidance
If you're navigating a licensing board complaint or investigation, these resources may help:
Frequently asked questions
Talk to BoardWise
Not sure where your matter fits? Send us a short message and we'll point you to the right next step.
Not Sure If We're Right for You?
Send us a quick message. We're happy to answer questions about how BoardWise works and whether it might help with your situation.
We typically respond within one business day.
Prefer to email us directly?
support@boardwise.onlineOther dental hygienists guides
British Columbia
BC College of Oral Health Professionals (BCCOHP)
Manitoba
College of Dental Hygienists of Manitoba (CDHM)
New Brunswick
New Brunswick College of Dental Hygienists (NBCDH)
Newfoundland and Labrador
Newfoundland and Labrador College of Dental Hygienists (NLCDH)
Northwest Territories
Government of the Northwest Territories — Department of Health and Social Services, Professional Licensing Office (GNWT-DHSS)
Nova Scotia
Nova Scotia Regulator of Dental Hygiene, Dental Technology, and Denturism (NSRDHDTD)