Learn more about the Canadian Dental Care Plan

Jurisprudence and Ethics Course

Applicants for a general, specialty or academic certificate of registration are required to write and pass an examination in Jurisprudence and Ethics. In addition, practising dentists are encouraged to periodically repeat the course as part of their continuing education.


Learning Objectives

Upon completion of this course, participants will:

  1. Have a basic understanding of how the College functions, the responsibilities of being a regulated professional, and the professional responsibilities that one owes the College on an ongoing basis.
  2. Understand important legal concepts that occur in practice such as informed consent, boundaries with patients, scope of practice, and standards of practice.
  3. Have an understanding on how to approach key practice management topics such as recordkeeping and retention, sale of practice, advertising, civil liability insurance, and more.


The Jurisprudence & Ethics course is divided into four sections comprised of 13 modules. It is designed to provide information about the legal and ethical responsibilities for practising dentistry in Ontario. The four sections are:  

  • About the Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario, and An Introduction to Jurisprudence & Ethics (three modules)
  • Patient Care (three modules)
  • Legal Responsibility (four modules)
  • Practice Management (three modules)

Go to RCDSO’s Portal to register for the course.

For additional information, please email CE@rcdso.org. We will contact you within two business days.