Major Advocacy Milestone: Canada Student Loan Forgiveness Now Available to
Dental Hygienists
Dental hygienists working in eligible rural and remote communities are now
officially included in the Canada Student Loan Forgiveness program as of
December 31, 2025. This expansion follows the federal government’s 2024 budget
commitment to add dental hygienists and dentists to the program—an important
recognition of the role of oral health. This achievement represents a major
advocacy milestone for CDHA, reflecting more than a decade of sustained
efforts to advance federal loan forgiveness for the profession and highlight
the total costs of dental hygiene education. The program’s implementation will
help strengthen rural and remote health care by supporting the recruitment and
retention of dental hygienists in underserved areas. CDHA will continue
monitoring implementation and advocating for policies that strengthen access
to care in underserved rural and remote communities. Visit the program website
to learn more about the eligibility requirements and application process, and
read CDHA’s media release for additional details and context.