The Canadian Dental Hygienists Association (CDHA) is urging all federal parties to continue funding the national dental care program, emphasizing its economic and public health benefits.
The association highlights that access to oral health care and preventive treatment not only improves individual well-being but also enhances worker productivity, reducing the number of sick days taken due to preventable dental issues.
Since its launch in December 2023, the federal dental care program has provided essential services to more than 1.3 million Canadians, beginning with seniors and later expanding to include children and people with disabilities from households earning less than $90,000 and without private insurance. The program is expected to expand further this year to cover all age groups.
The initiative was established as part of the 2022 supply-and-confidence agreement between the NDP and the Liberal government. However, its future remains uncertain, as the Conservative Party has not committed to maintaining funding should they form the next government. Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre has indicated his intention to cut what he calls “wasteful and inflationary” government spending.
The CDHA stresses that continued investment in preventive oral health care will reduce the burden on Canada’s health care system and contribute to a healthier, more productive workforce. The association calls on all federal parties to prioritize dental care funding as a critical component of public health policy.