The Health Professions and Occupations Act (HPOA) replaced the longstanding Health Professions Act on April 1, 2026, reshaping how all health professions—dentistry included—are regulated in British Columbia. The legislation introduces new oversight structures, governance rules, compliance processes, and expectations for regulated health professionals.
While the BC government frames the HPOA as a modernization intended to enhance public safety, transparency, and cultural safety, the BCDA has been at the table from the outset, voicing serious concerns on behalf of members about the implications of the new Act for the dental profession, and the future of oral health care across the province.
BCDA supports measures that promote cultural safety, combat discrimination, and enhance patient safety, although the HPOA in its current form could lead to unintended consequences that will further limit access to oral health care.
Along with the HPOA, new BCCOHP bylaws are in effect as of April 1, 2026. BCDA remains a consistent voice of advocacy for its members in regard to these bylaws and their impact on dentists.
Though the Act is in force as of April 1, 2026, we continue to urge the government to revisit the HPOA legislation and maintain meaningful consultation with all stakeholders.
Changes being made through the HPOA will impact all British Columbians who rely on accessible dental care. No other jurisdiction in Canada has legislation like this.
The inaugural board under the HPOA has been announced, and while the BCDA is pleased that three dentists and a dental therapist have been named to that board, the reality remains that board members of the regulatory college will be government-appointed, with no requirement for dental expertise. Decisions about dental practice standards, complaints, and patient care could, in future, be made without input from dental professionals.
Regulatory actions could be taken against you with no ability to appeal in court. We need fair due process for all health professionals.
Colleges will have near-total immunity from legal accountability, except in cases of bad faith. Regulation must include checks and balances, and accountability also needs to exist at the regulatory levels.
More red tape means fewer appointments, longer wait times, and higher costs for patients. We’re pushing for reduced administrative demands to prevent these impacts.