Return to work guidance, free IPC webinar, consent form advice & more.

Return to Work Guidance

CDHA has developed a Return to Work landing page www.cdha.ca/covidbacktowork on our website to provide interim guidance for dental hygienists returning to work during the COVID-19 pandemic. The webpage contains a number of key resources including:

• advice on best practices for a safe return to work
• resources and tip-sheets
• a video series: Conversations to Build Collaborative Relationships in the Workplace

Coming next week — a downloadable return to work handbook for dental hygienists and a FAQ document and video on employment-related back to work questions.

FREE COVID-19 Infection Control Webinar

Release date: Tuesday, May 19
Dr. Mia Geisinger and Katrina M. Sanders, RDH, will discuss the “invisible” risks within the dental operatory. Evaluate SARS-CoV-2, its underlying virology, and transmissibility. Examine up-to-date infection control recommendations and look at the emerging evidence that may become integrated into our infection control practices as we move forward.

Consent Forms
CDHA is aware that many dental hygienists have been asked to sign a consent form like this one.  We had our legal counsel review this form and generally speaking, they have no significant concerns, with the exception of the paragraph stating, “I confirm that I am not currently positive for the novel coronavirus”. This statement is ambiguous and should be revised. It is not clear that the parties mean a positive “diagnosis” and the word “currently” is not precise.  Therefore, legal counsel proposes replacing this paragraph with “I confirm that I have not received a positive diagnosis for the novel coronavirus in the last 14 days.”

In reading the paragraph that follows (“I confirm that I am not waiting for results of a laboratory test for the novel coronavirus”) it can reasonably be assumed that the intent of the paragraph is to confirm that you do not have a positive diagnosis.  As such, we would expect that the author of the form would not disagree with this proposed amendment.  However, if they do – CDHA legal counsel recommends against signing it as drafted and would suggest that the dental hygienist handwrites the revision into the form and initials the revision instead. 

Canada Emergency Student Benefit
Canada Emergency Student Benefit: Students and recent graduates can apply for emergency benefit on Friday May 15. For those who have not already done so, the government advises applicants sign up for an account through the CRA for faster payments.

COVID-19 Pandemic CDHA Member Surveys
Reminder that the CDHA survey assessing the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on the profession closes tomorrow at noon ET.  


We understand that many members are concerned about return to work and providing safe and ethical care. CDHA will continue to provide updates as they become available.

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It is our sincere hope that you and your families stay well and safe.
Everyone can do their part to slow COVID-19.