OHDQ Dental Hygienist Complaints in Quebec: What Dental Hygienists Should Know
The Ordre des hygiénistes dentaires du Québec (OHDQ) is the regulator for dental hygienists in Quebec under Code des professions, RLRQ c C-26; Loi sur les hygiénistes dentaires, LQ 1973, c. 51. Most concerns are reviewed by the Bureau du syndic. Serious matters may be referred to the Conseil de discipline for a formal hearing.
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Governing statute
Code des professions, RLRQ c C-26; Loi sur les hygiénistes dentaires, LQ 1973, c. 51
First-stage decision-maker
Bureau du syndic
Registrant response window
No fixed public deadline; syndic investigation is confidential
Mailing address
606, rue Cathcart, bureau 700 Montréal, QC H3B 1K9
514-284-7639
Understanding the OHDQ complaints process
Dental Hygienists in Quebec are accountable to the Ordre des hygiénistes dentaires du Québec (OHDQ). 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 Bureau du syndic reviews — the quality and clarity of your written response is the most important factor at this level.
Most matters resolve at the Bureau du syndic 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 Conseil de discipline 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 OHDQ complaints process
- Governed under Quebec's civil-law Code des professions
- Bureau du syndic is independent in its investigative function
- Private complainants may file directly with the Conseil de discipline
- Syndic may decline to file; complainant may then pursue a private complaint
- Conseil de discipline: lawyer-president + one professional + one public member
What triggers complaints against dental hygienists in Quebec
Administrative concerns
- •Practicing without a valid permit
- •Failure to complete formation continue
- •Non-disclosure of criminal conviction or sanction
- •Failure to pay annual cotisation
Conduct or practice concerns
- •Violations of the Code de déontologie
- •Breach of professional secrecy
- •Sexual misconduct or inappropriate relationship
- •Inadequate care or failure to refer
- •Conflict of interest or dishonest conduct
- •Practicing beyond authorized scope
How a OHDQ 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 Bureau du syndic
The Bureau du syndic 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 Conseil de discipline
Serious matters or unresolved factual disputes may be referred to the Conseil de discipline 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 Quebec
- 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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support@boardwise.onlineOther dental hygienists guides
Alberta
Alberta College of Dental Hygienists (ACDH)
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)