RCDSO Standard of Practice for Virtual Care

This document is a Standard of Practice issued by the Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO) that outlines the legal, professional, and ethical obligations for dentists practicing virtual care in Ontario. It defines virtual care, also known as teledentistry, as the use of technology to provide direct dental care remotely. The document articulates specific requirements for Ontario dentists, including the necessity to maintain the standard of care, obtain informed consent from patients, and ensure the appropriateness of the technology used. It emphasizes the importance of protecting patient privacy and confidentiality in accordance with the Personal Health Information Protection Act. Additionally, it provides guidelines on assessing the appropriateness of virtual care, identifying patients, and ensuring that the virtual setting is safe and suitable for consultations. The document serves as a comprehensive resource for dentists to navigate the complexities of providing dental care through virtual modalities.