The Canadian Dental Hygienists Association (CDHA) is calling on the federal government to continue investing in affordable, preventive oral health care, the organization said Thursday in a statement.
Citing an “ongoing cost-of-living crisis” and tariff threats from the Trump administration, the CDHA said federal investments in oral health care in Canada have “positive impacts” on the economy.
“We know that improving access to oral health care is a good thing for Canadians and our economy,” said Ondina Love, chief executive officer of the CDHA.
Alexandra Sheppard, a registered dental hygienist and president of the CDHA, also praised the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP). The final phase of the CDCP is expected to roll out in 2025, though political uncertainty remains following Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s announcement of his resignation in January.
“The coverage provided by the CDCP is significantly enhancing the overall health of the Canadian population every day and must be continued,” said Sheppard, who has “provided treatment to many patients who are covered by the CDCP.”
“These patients, especially those with a significant amount of dental disease, are truly grateful for this national plan,” she added.
The CDHA statement outlined five key benefits of continued government investment in affordable oral health care:
- Improved public health – Increasing access to oral health care helps prevent conditions that can lead to more serious and costly health problems.
- Increased productivity – Better oral health leads to fewer sick days and higher worker productivity. Healthy employees are more likely to perform well and contribute positively to the economy.
- Job creation – Investments in oral health care create jobs in the sector, including positions for dentists, dental hygienists and support staff, stimulating economic growth.
- Support for vulnerable populations – Programs such as the CDCP provide essential services to low-income families and seniors, improving their quality of life and enabling greater participation in the economy.
- Cost savings – Preventive oral health care reduces the need for expensive emergency treatments and hospital visits, saving money in the long run.