- Feb 4
National and Provincial Associations: Which Should you Join and Why it Matters
- C&M
When starting a private dental hygiene practice, one of the common questions you’ll consider is:
“Should I join my national association, my provincial association, or both?”
The short answer: It depends on your goals right now and down the road. But understanding what each association offers will help you make a smart decision.
1. National Association
The CDHA is the national professional association for dental hygienists across Canada. It represents tens of thousands of professionals from coast to coast and offers services and advocacy on a national scale.
Key Benefits of CDHA Membership
✔ Professional development : access to webinars, online and in-person courses, and continuing education resources. (Independent practice specific resources)
✔ National advocacy : CDHA represents dental hygiene interests with federal policymakers and health partners.
✔ Insurance and professional support : professional and commercial liability insurance options (often customizable) and legal resources.
✔ Career resources : job board, practice guidance (including independent practice resources like billing support and business planning).
✔ Community and networking with peers across the country : professional magazine, events, and a broad peer network.
✔ Professional Liability Insurance (PLI): available for purchase through company vetted by CDHA
✔ Discounts & perks : savings on services and products that can help you personally and professionally.
***If you want to be able to bill claims to client dental benefits you will have to have a Unique Identifier Number (UIN). This is only available through the CDHA’s Independent Practice Network so a CDHA membership is mandatory in this case.
2. Provincial Association
The DHAA, for example is the provincial association specifically for dental hygienists in Alberta. Its focus is local support, networking, and advocacy tailored to Alberta’s laws, scope of practice, and health system.
Key Benefits of DHAA Membership
✔ Professional Liability Insurance (PLI) : included with some membership types.
✔ Continuing education & CE opportunities : webinars, career support, and practice development resources.
✔ Legal and employment support : access to employment law guidance.
✔ Networking with Alberta peers : connect with local hygienists for mentorship and community.
✔ Local advocacy : working on issues that matter specifically in Alberta
✔ Discounts & perks : savings on services and products that can help you personally and professionally.
4. Should You Join One or Both?
When to Join National
You’re looking for national connections, broader career development, and resources about independent practice business basics.
You want access to national advocacy and big-picture supports for the profession.
***You want to bill benefits companies for DH treatment codes for your patients (electronic or paper claims) Must join the Independent Practice Network to get a Unique Identifier Number (UIN)
When to Join Provincial
You’re focused on your provinces specific issues, laws, and networking with other independent RDHs.
You value local advocacy around scope of practice or provincial regulation.
Why Many Members Choose Both
Coverage & support from both levels: national association gives national resources and practice tools; provincial gives local advocacy and networking.
Sometimes you might want national for practice-building resources and provincial for local specific help.
Some members keep CDHA first during early start up mainly for billing and resources or while establishing their practice, then add provincial later to keep abreast on the local support and resources.
Being part of both associations can help you feel supported locally and nationally as your practice grows.
There’s no one “right” answer for every hygienist, but here’s a helpful way to think about it:
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If you’re new to practice, your provincial and national association both have options that are relevant. Check out what each has to offer and consider how you will be supported by each as you grows your practice.
As your business grows, being part of both can give you the best of both worlds!