Competence is the combined knowledge, skills, attitudes, and judgment required to provide professional services. Continuing competency requires an ongoing commitment to learning and reflection on educational needs. Dental hygienists are preventative oral health care professionals and must remain current and informed of oral health care delivery models, clinical procedures, and technological advances.

The College of Dental Hygienists of Saskatchewan (CDHS) has the legislative responsibility to establish and maintain a continuing competency program that promotes high standards of practice among dental hygienists.  Continuing education is a mandatory requirement for licensure as per Section 52 of the Regulatory Bylaws and dental hygienists must complete the minimum requirements of the continuing competency program to be eligible for licensure renewal.