Message from the Minister of Health – National Dental Hygienist Week 2024

Posted On: April 7, 2024

opinion

April 4th to 10th, 2024 | Ottawa, ON | Health Canada

This week is National Dental Hygienists Week™, sponsored by the Canadian Dental Hygienists Association. This is the perfect opportunity to recognize the remarkable work of dental hygienists in Canada who provide safe, quality care to keep our teeth, mouths and gums healthy.

This year’s theme is “Oral Health for Overall Health.” Regular visits to an oral care professional have been proven to not only reduce the risk of tooth decay and gum disease, but also other serious health problems such as cardiovascular disease and stroke. Oral health is vital to our overall health. Dental hygienists in particular play an important role in preventive care. They often provide oral health care in community health centers and help raise awareness of the importance of oral health.

The Government of Canada and the country's dental hygienists share a common goal: to increase access to oral care in Canada to improve health and quality of life and limit the impact of preventable diseases on our healthcare system.

In December, the federal government launched the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) to make dental care more affordable for nearly 9 million Canadians. One in four people in Canada said they couldn't see a doctor because they couldn't afford it. We want more people to have access to basic dental care. More than 1.6 million Canadians have successfully submitted applications for RCSD approval. Many people can start oral care in May 2024.

I am grateful to the oral health care providers, including dental hygienists, who will serve RCSD members. Through their actions, they play a key role in ensuring more equitable access to oral health care. I want all oral health professionals to be well informed about RCSD and have information and resources available to them. To find out how you can get involved in RCSD, visit our website website Contact Sunlife for more information about the plan and to confirm your participation.

Access to more oral health care will lead to better health outcomes for all Canadians. This National Dental Hygienists Week™, I would like to thank Canada's dental hygienists for their important work and contribution to the health and well-being of Canadians across the country.

The Honorable Mark Holland, PC, MP

Minister of Health