According to the Canadian Dental Hygienists Association (CDHA), there are more than 33,000 dental hygienists in Canada, making it the sixth largest health profession in the country. As Canada’s population continues to grow, so does the demand for skilled dental professionals dedicated to keeping Canadians smiling.
From dental cleanings and oral assessments to X-rays and preventive treatments, dental hygienists play a crucial role in protecting patients’ oral and overall health. However, even the most experienced professionals can face unexpected risks. A simple error or misunderstanding could lead to a patient complaint, a professional misconduct claim, or a lawsuit.
Renewing your dental hygienist malpractice insurance each year isn’t just a formality; it’s a legal requirement and critical to safeguarding your career and finances.
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Why Malpractice Insurance Matters for Dental Hygienists
While some employers offer limited liability coverage, not all insurance policies fully protect dental hygienists.
Many hygienists are surprised to learn that coverage through an employer or association may not be enough to cover legal defence costs, settlement fees, or damage to their professional reputation.
Whether you work in a private clinic, community health centre, or as an independent practitioner, malpractice insurance (also known as professional liability insurance) protects you financially and professionally if a claim is made against you.
It’s recommended that dental hygienists don’t wait until the last minute to get covered for the year ahead – a quick renewal ensures you remain compliant and continuously protected.
Notably, many dental hygienists’ policies are due for renewal. For example, in Ontario, dental hygienists need to renew their insurance by December 1, and in B.C., the renewal due date is December 16.
What Liability Risks Do Dental Hygienists Face?
Every dental hygienist faces unique risks, regardless of their level of care or experience. Here are some of the most common situations where malpractice insurance coverage is essential:
- Treatment Errors: Even minor errors, such as a missed cleaning step, accidental injury caused by your services, or incorrect advice, can lead to patient complaints or costly legal claims.
- Patient Communication and Documentation: Clear communication and accurate recordkeeping are key. Incomplete patient notes, missing consent forms, or unclear instructions can all lead to disputes or negligence claims.
- Allegations of Negligence: From delayed service to correctly administered X-rays, even unfounded allegations of negligence can cost time, stress, and money to defend against unless you’re properly insured.
6 Ways Dental Hygienists Can Reduce Their Liability Risks
Here are six ways a dental hygiene professional can lower their liability risks and avoid being entangled in expensive claims or lawsuits:
1. Maintain Accurate Patient Records
Keeping thorough records of patient assessments, treatments performed, recommended oral care instructions, and any communication with patients can serve as evidence of the care provided and support your defence in any claims or disputes.
2. Adhere to Established Standards of Care
Follow appropriate infection control protocols, use proper techniques during treatments, and stay up to date with the latest research and guidelines.
3. Engage in Continuing Education
Continuing education and professional development are essential for dental hygienists to stay updated with the latest advancements, techniques, and best practices. By enhancing your knowledge and skills, you can provide high-quality care and reduce the risk of errors that could lead to liability claims.
4. Communicate with Your Patients
Clear and effective communication with your patients is vital for reducing liability risks. Listen to patient concerns, thoroughly explain treatments, risks, and benefits, and obtain their consent before performing any procedures. Encourage your patients to ask questions and voice their concerns. Doing so consistently helps establish trust with your patients, minimizes misunderstandings, and reduces the likelihood of dissatisfaction or claims.
5. Collaborate with Your Dental Team
Maintain open lines of communication with your colleagues, share information, and coordinate care to ensure you provide your patients with the treatment they need.
6. Get Medical Malpractice Insurance
Malpractice insurance provides financial protection against legal claims or lawsuits related to your services. It helps cover your legal costs, damages, and other expenses associated with patient liability claims.
Frequently Asked Questions About Malpractice Insurance for Dental Hygienists in Canada
What does dental hygienist malpractice insurance cover?
Malpractice insurance for dental hygienists covers legal costs and bodily injury claims caused by your professional services, treatment-related injuries, accusations of substandard treatment, settlements or judgments from malpractice claims, regulatory or disciplinary hearings, allegations of negligence, misconduct, and failing to obtain consent.
Is malpractice insurance mandatory for dental hygienists in Canada?
Requirements may vary by province. However, the College of Dental Hygienists of Ontario (CDHO) requires every practicing dental hygienist to carry professional liability insurance. Alberta, B.C., and other provinces have similar requirements. Even if it’s not mandatory in your province, carrying malpractice insurance is strongly recommended to protect your reputation and financial security.
How much malpractice insurance coverage do dental hygienists need?
Most Canadian dental hygienists carry liability insurance ranging from $1 million to $2 million per claim, although requirements vary by province and regulatory college. Check your college’s guidelines and speak to a Zensurance broker to ensure your policy features both claims-made and occurrence-based incidents.
How to Get Affordable Dental Hygienist Insurance in Canada
Protecting your career shouldn’t be complicated or expensive. With Zensurance, you can get a free quote for dental hygienist malpractice insurance online in less than five minutes.
Our licensed brokers compare quotes from over 50 leading Canadian insurance providers to find you the best coverage at the lowest price. We customize every policy to fit your specific needs, so you’re never paying for coverage you don’t need.
Complete our online application for a free quote now, beat your renewal deadline, and explore your options – it’s faster (and far less painful) than a cavity filling.
– Updated November 19, 2025.
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