CDHA’s priorities for all federal political parties
At the national level, CDHA’s advocacy for dental hygienists and the oral
health of people in Canada is focused on three issues to improve the
health care system:
-
Continuing federal investments in affordable, accessible, and preventive
oral health care
-
Implementing long-term care service standards that include dental
hygienists in team-based care
- Committing funding to support oral health research
CDHA encourages every dental hygienist to participate in grassroots
advocacy to raise the profile of oral health in this federal election
Dental hygienists are a vital force in Canada’s oral health landscape.
Your collective experiences as practitioners, practice owners, educators,
researchers, administrators, students, and more are invaluable as we seek
to raise awareness of the profession and influence health policy. In this
election, CDHA encourages all dental hygienists to enhance the visibility
of the profession by communicating a common, clear, and powerful message
to their local candidates. Political candidates need to hear from dental
hygienists! There are quick and easy ways to participate.
Engage by emailing your local candidates
Our advocacy platform is now closed following the election. CDHA thanks
everyone who participated in the local campaign by sending a
personalized email to their local candidates and making their voices
heard. For reference, the text of this sample message is reproduced
below.
Access to preventive oral health care supports the economy
Prevention is key to good oral health. All Canadians need and deserve
access to timely, high-quality preventive oral hygiene services.
But many Canadians, especially vulnerable populations, face significant
barriers to accessing the oral health care they need for their overall
health, well-being, and quality of life. As one of Canada’s 34,000
registered dental hygienists, I urge you to recognize the critical
importance of maintaining federal investments in oral health care.
I hear very clearly from my patients and clients that their oral health is
important to them. I have seen first-hand the results of federal
investments in oral health over the past year. I also know that many
people in my community still cannot afford routine dental hygiene
appointments, and often seek care for their dental pain, related
infections, and other conditions in hospital emergency rooms or their
doctor’s offices (if they have one).
That’s why I encourage you to strengthen federal investments in oral
health care that millions of Canadians value.
The preventive oral health care I provide daily reduces visits to
emergency rooms, leads to fewer days lost from work and school, and
supports an overall better quality of life.
When it comes to oral health care for Canadians, the dental hygiene
profession champions prevention, equity, and affordability. In these
uncertain economic times, our country needs a federal government that will
continue to invest in better oral health for all.
Sincerely,
{Name}
{address or postal code}
{email address}
Engage by posting on social media
Download our social shareables and copy/paste the text to include
alongside the image. Join online discussions in your communities about
health policy, follow candidates in your riding, raise awareness of dental
hygiene care or share your own stories. Personalize your message by using
hashtags and tagging your political candidates, their party, and CDHA.
To find a candidate’s social media handles, visit their political party’s
website for details.
Image (select for platform usage)
Description text (Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram)
Canada’s dental hygienists believe that prevention is key to good
oral health, which is why continuing federal investments in oral
health care that millions of Canadians value is so important. In
these uncertain economic times, our country needs a federal
government that recognizes the positive economic impact of a health
system that includes oral health. #voice4oralhealth
#canada
#cdnpoli
#elexn45
Description text (X)
Canada’s dental hygienists know that prevention is key to good oral
health, which is why continuing federal investments in oral health
care is so important. In these uncertain times, we need a federal
government that recognizes the positive economic impact of good oral
health.
Engage by talking with local candidates when they knock on your door
or by attending local or regional events
-
Ask them if they know the size and impact of the dental hygiene
profession in Canada (nearly 34,000).
-
Ask where they stand on our priorities for equitable access to
preventive oral health care services.
-
Ask how they would support federal investments in oral health, if
elected.
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Share how dental hygiene services are making a difference for
people in your community.
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Encourage them to learn more about dental hygienists and their
community's need for oral health care services.
Vote and encourage others to vote!
Check your voter registration and find your riding at
Elections Canada.