Denturist Profession

Scope of Practice

In Nova Scotia, a denturist may act as a researcher, clinician, consultant, administrator, manager, educator, or health promoter. The scope of practice of denturism includes assessing dental arches missing some or all teeth; and designing, constructing, repairing, altering, ordering and fitting removable dentures.

Some of the key responsibilities and services that denturists are authorized to perform in Nova Scotia include:

1. Denture Fabrication: Denturists are trained to design, create, and construct complete and partial dentures for individuals who have lost some or all of their natural teeth.
2. Denture Repairs and Adjustments: Denturists can repair, reline, and adjust dentures to ensure they continue to fit comfortably and function effectively.
3. Consultation and Client Education
4. Denture Maintenance
5. Denture Clinics: All denturists own and operate private denture clinics. Denturists can visit private and longterm care homes. There is a total of 29 clinics operating throughout Nova Scotia.
6. Additional Practice Competencies (requiring Registrar authorization): Dentures over implants – Denturists in Nova Scotia, who meet the criteria set out by the NSRDHDTD, are authorized to do dentures over implants, in accordance with the Board-approved Standards (May 1, 2025). 

Denturists are required to maintain privacy and confidentiality regarding medical, dental, and personal information at all times.

Licensure requirements

To become a denturist in Nova Scotia, individuals must meet specific requirements. These include:

1. Education: Completion of a Board-approved denturism program. Currently, there are five denturism programs in Canada that offer diplomas in denturism.
   a. They are 2.5 to 3 years in length.
2. Licensure: To practice legally in the province, individuals must be issued a licence from the NSRDHDTD.
3. Protected Titles/Designations: Those who hold a practising licence from the NSRDHDTD are entitled to call themselves a “Denturist”.
4. Denturist Qualifying Examination: Denturists must also pass the Qualifying Examination to demonstrate their competence in denturism. The Qualifying Examination (MCQ and OSCE) is delivered either by the College of Denturists of Ontario (CDO) or the College of Alberta Denturists (CAD), or both components of the Canadian Denturist Multi Jurisdictional Registration Examination (CDMRE). 
5. Continuing Education: Denturists are required to engage in the Continuing Education Program and complete ongoing professional development and continuing education to maintain their licensure. Denturists are expected to engage in activities that address and promote continuing competence, interprofessional collaboration, changes in practice environments, standards of practice, and the latest advancements in the field.
6. Practice Hours: Denturists are required to complete 600 practice hours within the three-year period immediately preceding an application, including renewals.