CDHPEI Dental Hygienist Complaints in Prince Edward Island: What Dental Hygienists Should Know
The College of Dental Hygienists of Prince Edward Island (CDHPEI) is the regulator for dental hygienists in Prince Edward Island under Regulated Health Professions Act, RSPEI 1988, c. R-10.1; Dental Hygienists Regulations, PEI Reg EC108/23. Most concerns are reviewed by the Investigation Committee. Serious matters may be referred to the Hearing Committee for a formal hearing.
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Governing statute
Regulated Health Professions Act, RSPEI 1988, c. R-10.1; Dental Hygienists Regulations, PEI Reg EC108/23
First-stage decision-maker
Investigation Committee
Registrant response window
Investigation Committee must decide within 30 days of receiving the file
Mailing address
P.O. Box 21145, Charlottetown RPO University Avenue Charlottetown, PE C1A 9H6
902-916-6656
Understanding the CDHPEI complaints process
Dental Hygienists in Prince Edward Island are accountable to the College of Dental Hygienists of Prince Edward Island (CDHPEI). 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 Investigation Committee reviews — the quality and clarity of your written response is the most important factor at this level.
Most matters resolve at the Investigation Committee 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 Hearing Committee 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 CDHPEI complaints process
- 30-day Investigation Committee timeline is legislated
- Investigation Committee: at least one Council member and one public representative
- Registrar may attempt informal resolution before referral
- Employers have mandatory reporting under s. 90.1(2) of the RHPA
- Regulations updated 2023 (EC108/23)
What triggers complaints against dental hygienists in Prince Edward Island
Administrative concerns
- •Practicing without valid registration
- •Failure to meet continuing competence
- •Non-disclosure of criminal history or prior discipline
- •Employer failure to report mandatory terminations
Conduct or practice concerns
- •Breach of ethics
- •Inappropriate care or inadequate practice
- •Breach of patient confidentiality
- •Sexual misconduct
- •Unprofessional behaviour
- •Infection prevention and control failures
How a CDHPEI 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 Investigation Committee
The Investigation Committee 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 Hearing Committee
Serious matters or unresolved factual disputes may be referred to the Hearing Committee 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 Prince Edward Island
- 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.
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