Learn more about the Canadian Dental Care Plan
General Information

Using the College’s public register

Why use “Find a Dentist”? 

“Find a Dentist” is the RCDSO’s public register. It contains helpful information for everyone. 

A person, patient or dentist can:

  • verify that a dentist is licensed to practise in Ontario
  • ensure that they, or their loved ones, are receiving care from an appropriate dental provider or specialist
  • confirm if a dentist is under any restrictions or required to complete education or remediation before they can provide care
  • review a potential employer/employee before offering or accepting a position.

Why does the RCDSO have a public register? 

Under the Regulated Health Professions Act and the Health Professions Procedural Code, the RCDSO has a responsibility and legal duty to protect the public. All regulatory colleges use transparency principles to guide what is posted online. 

All dentists practicing in Ontario must be registered with the RCDSO. The public register contains helpful information about dentists, including their: 

The register also contains information about dentists who have:

  • terms, conditions, or limitations that restrict their practice, with the date the restriction took effect
  • current criminal charges, bail conditions, or criminal findings of guilt
  • a summary of investigation outcomes that include a moderate or high-risk outcome (i.e., caution, required education or remediation, an undertaking with the College or an interim order by the ICRC)
  • referrals and findings of the Discipline or Fitness to Practice Committee about a dentist’s practice, conduct or capacity (health)
  • been suspended or who are otherwise not entitled to practice (i.e. they resigned), with the 
    date their membership ended. 

What does it mean if I cannot find someone’s name on “Find a Dentist”?

Check to ensure you have spelled the person’s name correctly or try adding details from the 
“additional search criteria” feature. 

Confirm that the individual is not a dental hygienist, dental technologist, or denturist. These individuals are registered with their own provincial regulators. 

Contact practiceadvisory@rcdso.org for assistance.

Still cannot find the individual?

Though rare, you may have encountered someone who is practicing dentistry without an Ontario license.

Even if the person has credentials from another province or country, or oral health care training in another field of practice, only active members of the RCDSO can practice dentistry in Ontario. 

Please review our List of Known Illegal or Unauthorized Practitioners. 

To ensure the public is receiving care only from licensed dentists, the College will seek an Order 
from the Superior Court of Ontario to block illegal or unauthorized practitioners from providing care in Ontario. 

 Dentists must ensure their registration information is current on the College’s Public Register. 

 They also must ensure that their contact information with the College is accurate and up to date. 

 If updates are needed, please email registration@rcdso.org or update your member profile through the RCDSO Portal. 

If you suspect you have received care from someone who is not licensed to practice dentistry in the province, please file a concern online or contact us at info@rcdso.org.