Recently the discourse in Canada relating to dental hygiene practice has changed. While dentistry still exercises controlling power over the public's oral cavity, dental hygienists have made inroads through legislative changes. A description of Canadian dental hygiene practice is provided to set the stage for a discussion about current discourse in the dental hygiene profession. Although power is often perceived as a shifting changing set of relations, these can be frozen in abstraction. It is rather like taking a photo of a single moment or event in an ongoing activity. This moment provides a starting point, an event that can be analysed. Four such events are evident in Canadian dental hygiene practice; they include, education, recognition of dental hygienists as primary care providers, the culture of dental hygiene and self-regulation. While all the events are important, self-regulation is critical to the viability and development of the profession. It is the central event that provides the backdrop for effecting change. With self-regulation comes responsibility and accountability for professional actions. It also provides possibilities for changing the discourse in oral care. As oral health care discourse is transformed through legislation and public awareness, the public will, hopefully, be able to directly access dental hygiene services, and dental hygienists themselves might increasingly recognise their importance as contributors in the health care system.

The potential for improving the occupational health of dental clinicians has expanded as increasingly sophisticated equipment enters the marketplace, yet there has been little improvement to the ergonomics with which dental hygienists operate. The use of surgical magnification has great potential to increase the quality of dental hygiene clinical care and to support the musculoskeletal health of dental hygienists. Although the research evidence to support a relationship between the use of surgical magnification and increased quality of dental hygiene care is extrapolated from parallel studies in dentistry, specific dental hygiene studies suggest that the integration of surgical magnification would be helpful in reducing the incidence of musculoskeletal symptoms experienced by dental hygienists. This is not to suggest that the integration of surgical magnification is a panacea for the musculoskeletal problems experienced by dental hygienists. In fact, improperly selected or adjusted surgical magnification systems can promote positions that place clinicians at increased risk for such problems. Clinicians must first determine the optimal working position that supports their musculoskeletal health and then select magnification systems that will support that position. The working distance, depth of field and optical declination angle of the chosen system must correspond to the musculoskeletal needs of the clinician.

There is little published literature about the outcomes of dental hygiene baccalaureate degree education, particularly in Canada. Since there are various dental hygiene entry‐to‐practice educational models in Canada, exploring baccalaureate dental hygiene education is becoming an increasingly important subject. The purpose of this study was to explore the personal outcomes and dental hygiene practice outcomes of dental hygiene degree‐completion education in Canada from the perspectives of diploma dental hygienists who have continued their education to the bachelor's degree level. This study employed a qualitative phenomenological design, using a maximum variation purposeful sampling strategy. Data generation occurred with sixteen dental hygienists across Canada through individual semistructured interviews. Interviews were audiorecorded, transcribed verbatim, and coded for data analysis, involving pattern recognition and thematic development. Themes that emerged included changes in self‐perception, values, and knowledge base. Changes in self‐perception were reflected in a reported increase in self‐confidence and perceived credibility. Changes in values included a greater appreciation for lifelong learning. Advancements in knowledge strengthened the development of specific abilities that ultimately influenced participants’ dental hygiene practice. These abilities included an increased ability to think critically, to make evidence‐based decisions, and to provide more comprehensive care. Participants also commented on having more career opportunities available to them outside of the private clinical practice setting. These results reveal important insights into the impact of earning a dental hygiene baccalaureate degree on oneself and one's dental hygiene practice.

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Respondents described their dental hygiene services as generally being of a higher standard and specifically in the 4 legislated abilities as a direct result of baccalaureate education.