September Mini InTouch

Mini InTouch September 2020

Highlights of This Issue

* Council Meeting Highlights, Including Bylaw Changes

* You've Been Asking

* Website Tidbit -- Using the Search Functions

*Social Media Use from a Regulatory Perspective

* 2020-2021 Alberta Influenza Immunization Program

* Alberta Health Announces a New Award

* Introducing the New CRDHA Director of Regulatory Compliance

Council Meeting Highlights

Highlights of the key discussions and decisions from the CRDHA Council Meeting held September 17 & 19, 2020 are now posted on the College’s website.

In addition to a full day facilitated strategy session, discussions took place surrounding the pandemic response, proposed government regulatory changes, future continuing competence events, and governance learning and accountability.

Council also approved changes to the CRDHA Bylaws. A summary of the changes is included in the Meeting Highlights and the revised Bylaws are posted on the website.

Additionally, Jodi Sperber and Lindsay Ord were welcomed as new Councillors and Samantha Heron was appointed as Chair of the Registration Committee.

Council Meeting Highlights

Revised CRDHA Bylaws

You've Been Asking

With Alberta schools open, and the inevitable calls many parents are receiving during the workday to come and pick up children who may be symptomatic with, or possibly exposed to, COVID-19, the College Practice Advisors have been fielding many calls from dental hygienists such as:

My child’s school just called me. I have to pick up my child as they have a runny nose. Do I need to stay home from work?

My child’s school just called me. My child must stay home from school for two (2) weeks because there was two (2) cases of COVID-19 positive results in their class. Do I need to self isolate as well?

One of my co-workers is in self-isolation as they were identified as a direct contact with someone who tested positive for COVID-19? Do I need to self-isolate as well?

One of my co-workers tested positive for COVID-19? What do I need to do?

I called 811 (and/or attended my COVID-19 test appointment) and was asked if I was a healthcare worker. When I responded yes, I am a dental hygienist, I was told I was not on the list of healthcare workers. Why is this?

Keep Reading

Website Tidbit - Using the Search Functions

With the College’s planned new website completion delayed due to COVID-19 projects, and the need to get practice permit renewal open on our new registrant database, we have had little opportunity to demonstrate some of the exiting new features of www.crdha.ca.

This article highlights and demonstrates the search capabilities of the new College website.

Social Media Use from a Regulatory Perspective

Over the recent months the College has received several calls from members of the public regarding the online actions of several Alberta Registered Dental Hygienists. As a result, the College would like to remind all regulated members that being professional is an expectation of CRDHA and this expectation extends beyond the confines of the workplace and workday.

Keep Reading

2020-2021 Alberta Influenza Immunization Program

The 2020-2021 Alberta Influenza Immunization Program will begin October 19. Some immunization outreach programs may begin to offer immunizations as soon as the vaccine is available, which is estimated to be by October 13, 2020.

All healthcare workers are strongly encouraged to get immunized.

Alberta offers universal, free of charge immunization to those six (6) months of age and older.

For details on scheduling flu shots for you and your family:

Recognizing Lifetime Achievement in Health

On September 29^th, Alberta Health announced a new annual award. The Dr. Peter B. R. Allen Lifetime Achievement in Health will recognize outstanding contributions and extraordinary efforts Albertans have made to advance healthcare in Alberta.

Nominations are open until November 9.

Visit Award Website

Introducing the New CRDHA Director of Regulatory Compliance

September 8^th marked Salima Thawer's first day as CRDHA's new Director of Regulatory Compliance. Reporting to the Registrar, she will provide policy and procedure recommendations, leadership, and oversight for the overall operations of regulatory services. Salima will also facilitate the research, planning, development, implementation, and evaluation of initiatives to enhance the operational effectiveness of the College in the interest of public protection.

In addition to a Bachelor's Degree with Dental Hygiene Specialization, Salima holds a Master's Degree in Public Health and is currently enrolled in PhD studies. Her experience in clinical practice, CRDHA Council, research, and as an educator in the U of A Dental Hygiene Program will no doubt prove to be valuable assets to the profession, the College and the public.

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