Career guide · Schedules and working conditions
Maternity leave, QPIP and returning to work in a dental clinic
Dental staff are mostly women and parental leaves are common. Here are your rights, from preventive withdrawal to gradual return.
How long is maternity leave in Quebec?
The Act respecting labour standards provides 18 weeks of maternity leave, 5 weeks of paternity leave and up to 65 weeks of shareable parental leave; the job is protected throughout. Benefits are paid by the Québec Parental Insurance Plan (QPIP), not by the clinic.
How much does QPIP pay during the leave?
QPIP replaces part of your income (up to 70% or 75% depending on the plan chosen, then 55% for part of the parental leave), on capped insurable earnings. Salaried hygienists, assistants and receptionists contribute automatically; self-employed dentists do too, with their own rules.
Can a pregnant hygienist or assistant keep working?
Yes, with precautions: the CNESST’s « Safe Maternity Experience » program allows reassignment or preventive withdrawal if the job involves hazards (ionizing radiation, nitrous oxide, certain chemicals, postures). The treating physician fills out the certificate; the CNESST pays the indemnity.
What is preventive withdrawal and who pays for it?
If the clinic cannot reassign you to hazard-free tasks, you stop working and receive a CNESST indemnity (about 90% of net income) until maternity leave begins. The clinic does not pay for this withdrawal; it can neither refuse nor penalize it.
Is my job guaranteed when I return?
Yes: you must get your usual position back with the same benefits, including raises granted during your absence. If the position was abolished, the employer must offer a comparable one. An employer cannot dismiss or demote you because of a pregnancy or parental leave.
Can I come back part-time after my leave?
The law does not require it, but most clinics accept it, especially during labour shortages. A clinic open 7 days has more slots to offer (short shifts, weekends) for a gradual return. Discuss it before the leave ends to prepare the schedule.
Do I keep accumulating vacation during the leave?
Continuous service is preserved (you do not lose seniority), but vacation pay is calculated on wages actually earned in the reference year, so it will be reduced. You keep the right to the same length of leave, though.
Does group insurance continue during the leave?
You have the right to maintain your participation in insurance and pension plans by continuing to pay your share; the employer maintains its own. Check the procedure with the clinic before leaving to avoid a gap in coverage.
How do you announce a pregnancy to a clinic employer?
Written notice at least three weeks before maternity leave begins is required (less in an emergency), with a medical certificate showing the expected delivery date. In practice, announcing early allows reassignment and planning of replacements.
How do you choose a « family » clinic even before having children?
Look at the number of employees who came back from parental leave, schedule flexibility, a written policy on preventive withdrawal and the size of the team. A larger team absorbs a leave better. See team culture at Go Dentiste.
Go further
- Work-life balance in a dental clinic
- Radiation protection, infections and vaccination
- Dental career guide: the 1,000 questions
- All positions at Go Dentiste
Sources and references
- CNESST — Labour standards in Quebec (brochure)
- Québec Parental Insurance Plan (QPIP)
- CNESST — Labour standards, pay equity, health and safety
Content prepared by the Go Dentiste team (Dr Dominic Morel-Maynard, general dentist and owner). Last updated: September 25, 2026. General information for guidance only: only an in-clinic exam can establish a diagnosis and a treatment plan suited to your situation.