Brief overview: Alberta
1924
Dr. O. Strong first introduces the concept of the dental hygienist to Alberta in 1924. The idea did not immediately take root.
1940's
Dental hygiene's beneficial impact on public health in other jurisdictions gains recognition. In Alberta, Dr. Strong's suggestion is again raised. Following the Second World War, the Canadian government offers out-of-country training grants to anyone who will return to Public Health service after completing a dental hygiene program of study.
1950's
Throughout the 1940's and 1950's the Alberta Government examines the type of dental health service that it wants to offer in communities. It turns down a proposal for dental hygiene education in the mid-1950's by the University of Alberta's Faculty of Dentistry. Alberta's first dental hygienist, Ms Joan Engman, obtains her dental hygiene education through a federal grants program. She studied dental hygiene in Michigan and returned to Alberta to practice dental hygiene in 1951.
The Alberta government passes dental hygiene legislation, leaving the practice of dental hygiene unregulated for more than 30 years.
1960's
In 1960, the University and the provincial government reach an agreement that allows for an Alberta dental hygiene education cirriculum. In January, 1961 Ms Margaret MacLean (nee Berry), is appointed founding Director of the School of Dental Hygiene, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Alberta.
The first graduating class of dental hygienists from the University of Alberta, a professionally active and dedicated group, sees a need for a provincial dental hygiene assocation. In the fall of 1963, they discuss the formation of an Alberta Dental Hygienists' Association (ADHA) and by December, the association approve constitution offically launches the ADHA.
1970's
Though the initial support for dental hygiene came from the public health sector, private sector support is growing. In the 1970's, with the advent of dental insurance employee benefit plans and public demand for preventive dental services, dental hygienists gain popular acceptance in the private dental office.
In his book on the history of Dentistry in Alberta, Dr. H. McLean, Dean of Dentistry, refers to a discussion of a degree program in Dental Hygiene. In the early 1970's (Nov. 1974) a degree program in dental hygiene was proposed and the presentation to the Faculty Council of Denistry was approved in principle. Funds to support the program were available through the Department of Advanced Education.
1980's
By 1980, more than 300 dental hygienists are actively practicing in Alberta. At this time Local Health Units employ nearly 100 dental hygienists through the Dental Hygiene Public Health workforce.
In 1984, the Dental Professions Act is passed, establishing a Dental Occupations Council. This Council is to propose dental hygiene regulations pursuant to the Dental Professions Act.
1990's
Eventually, after many starts and moratoriums surrounding the development of dental hygiene regulations under this Dental Professions Act, the Alberta government introduces a policy paper and bill that addresses dental hgyiene registration and practice. In the fall of 1990, the Dental Disciplines Act is proclaimed and dental hygiene becomes a self-regulating profession in Alberta. The pursuant Dental Hygienists Regulation is passed in the late winter of 1996.
1998
The ADHA delivers the first local anaesthetic program for Alberta dental hygienists. Delivery of local anaesthetic was also included in the Dental Hygiene Program curriculum.
1999
The Alberta Legislative Assembly passes the Health Professions Act (HPA) to regulate all 30 governing health professions. The dental hygienist profession through the Alberta Dental Hygienists' Association starts the process of being included under the HPA.
2000
The ADHA supports the U of A Dental Hygiene program in its efforts to develop a degree program. Now the U of A offers both a Dental Hygiene Diploma and a BSc-Dental Hygiene Specialization route of study, and a degree completion program (post dental hygiene diplom). The University of Alberta Dental Hygiene Program is the first Canadian dental hygiene program to offer a seamless choice to students between a diploma or baccalaureate route of dental hygiene education.
2002
Dental hygiene regulations are currently being reviewed and redrafted uner the Health Professions Act. The ADHA is working with the Alberta government during these latest rounds of legislative discussions. We anticipate that these discussions will lead to legislation that will allow dental hygienists to utilize the full extent of their education within the scope of dental hygiene practice.
2006
The dental hygienist profession joins other health professions in Alberta that are regulated under the Health Professions Act. The Dental Hygienists Professsion Regulation of the HPA is proclaimed in force effective November 1, 2006. Dental hygienists in Alberta can now work without the supervision of a dentist. This opens various opportunities for the provision of dental hygiene care to Albertans such as those who are homebound, institutionalized individuals. Dental hygienists can provide restricted activities such as ordering and exposing dental radiographs, prescribing the Schedule 1 drugs used in dental hygiene practice and ordering and administering nitrous oxide/oxygen conscious sedation. Alberta dental hygienists now have the broadest practice options and scope of practice in North America.
2007
Carmen Smith opens the first stand-along dental hygiene practice in Red Deer, Alberta and several other dental hygienists also establish practices in other areas of the province this year.
2008
CRDHA completes development of Elements of Prescribing: A Refresher Course for Dental Hygienists. In July, 40 dental hygienists reqister for the first intake for the course.
Alberta Government funded dental insurance programs recognize dental hygienists as service providers under their programs.
2010
FNIHB's Non-Insured Health Benefits Program (NIHB) initiates a pilot project in Alberta to pay dental hygienists directly for NIHB eligible dental services rendered to eligible First Nations and Inuit clients under the NIHB Program.
(November 1) CRDHA Celebrates the 20th Anniversary of self-regulation. 2400 Regulated (practicing) members. | 
