Competition Bureau supports Alberta decision to allow greater competition in dental hygiene services

Ottawa, November 1, 2006 – The Competition Bureau is pleased that the Government of Alberta has passed a new regulation that removes the requirement for dental hygienists, who are self-regulated professionals, to work under the supervision of a dentist.

The new regulation was signed by the Lieutenant Governor, Norman L. Kwong, on October 25, 2006. As a result, dental hygienists in Alberta will now be free to offer a number of services, including scaling and root planing, directly to clients. The new regulation allows dental hygienists and dentists to compete in the provision of dental hygiene services. The ability of dental hygienists to self-initiate, or provide services autonomously, without being restricted by their competitors, will likely increase access to dental hygiene services and decrease prices for Albertans. The amendments came into force October 31, 2006.

On January 19, 2006, the Commissioner of Competition sent a letter to Alberta’s Department of Health and Wellness with suggestions for establishing meaningful competition in the provision of dental hygiene services.

The Bureau has also been in contact with the governments of Nova Scotia and New Brunswick and has supported provincial initiatives to create independent colleges of dental hygiene. These provinces are among several jurisdictions in Canada that are currently considering changes to regulations governing dental hygiene services. The Bureau is watching these developments with interest.

The Competition Bureau is an independent law enforcement agency. We contribute to the prosperity of Canadians by protecting and promoting competitive markets and enabling informed consumer choice.

- 30 -

For media enquiries, please contact:

Eric Glaude
Communications Advisor
External Relations and Public Affairs Branch
819-953-9760

For general enquiries, please contact:

Information Centre
Competition Bureau
819-997-4282
1-800-348-5358