Who regulates dentists in Ontario

Dentists in Ontario are regulated by the Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO). The RCDSO sets the standards of practice every dentist must follow and looks into concerns about dentists. Dr. Leila Okhravi is registered with the RCDSO, and you can look up any Ontario dentist on the RCDSO’s public register at rcdso.org.

Dental hygienists are regulated separately, by the College of Dental Hygienists of Ontario.

Your consent comes first

Under Ontario’s Health Care Consent Act, 1996, we need your informed consent before any treatment. We’ll explain what we recommend and why, the alternatives (including waiting or doing nothing), the risks, and the cost. You can ask questions, take time to decide, or change your mind.

Fees and estimates

The Ontario Dental Association publishes a suggested fee guide each year, and many insurance plans base what they pay on it. Your plan may pay less than the full fee for some treatments, so we explain any out-of-pocket costs before treatment. For larger treatments, we can send your insurer a predetermination first, so you know what’s covered. The Canadian Dental Care Plan has its own rules and fees; see our CDCP guide.

Infection prevention and control

The RCDSO’s infection prevention and control standard sets out how dental offices clean and sterilize instruments, handle single-use items, and clean treatment rooms between patients. In our office:

  • Reusable instruments are cleaned and sterilized between patients.
  • Every sterilizer is tested daily with biological indicators.
  • Sterilization cycles are also checked with Class 5 integrator indicators and tracked digitally.
  • The water in our dental chairs and sterilizers is purified by our VistaPure system.
  • Medical-grade air purifiers and aerosol suction help keep the air clean during treatment.

X-ray safety

Dental X-ray equipment in Ontario is regulated under the Healing Arts Radiation Protection Act, and guidance for dentists calls for X-rays only when they’re needed for your care. We use low-dose digital X-rays, which need less radiation than older film X-rays.

Your dental records

Ontario’s rules require us to keep your dental records for at least 10 years after your last visit, or until 10 years after your 18th birthday, whichever is later. You can ask to see or get a copy of your records. Our privacy policy explains how we protect them.

Raising a concern

If something about your care doesn’t feel right, please tell us first. Call (613) 829-6545 or email reception@carlingharmonydental.ca; we’d like the chance to make it right. You can also contact the RCDSO, which reviews concerns about dentists.