News Releases - 2016

A coalition of health care service providers, including the Canadian Dental Hygienists Association, warned of the potential negative implications of taxing the premiums paid on employer-provided health and dental benefits.

On November 20, dental hygienists will celebrate Universal Children’s Day, reminding us all of the importance of protecting and promoting children’s rights, including the right to good oral health.

On November 14, Canadian dental hygienists will join more than 1 billion people worldwide in marking World Diabetes Day. As primary health care providers, dental hygienists are important members of the diabetes health care team.

The Canadian Dental Hygienists Association (CDHA) is pleased to announce the installation of its new president, Gerry Cool, at its annual general meeting in Edmonton, Alberta, on October 22. Gerry hails from Alberta and joins president-elect Sophia Baltzis (Quebec), past president Donna Scott (Yukon, Northwest Territories, Nunavut), and directors Mandy Hayre (British Columbia), Leanne Huvenaars (Saskatchewan), Deanna Mackay (Manitoba), Beth Ryerse (Ontario), Wendy Taylor (New Brunswick), Joanne Noye (Nova Scotia), Tracy Bowser (Prince Edward Island), and Tiffany Ludwicki (Newfoundland & Labrador) on CDHA’s board of directors for 2016‒2017.

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As witches and wizards prepare to haunt neighbourhoods across Canada on October 31, dental hygienists and our friends Mr. and Mrs. Plaque A. Tack, remind us to be mindful of warding off cavities on Halloween night. More protection and prevention tips.

The Canadian Dental Hygienists Association (CDHA) is proud to recognize nine leaders in oral health for their outstanding contributions to the dental hygiene profession, the national association, research, and knowledge translation.

On October 1, Canadians celebrated the older adults whose mentoring, leadership, and volunteerism have shaped the nation. National Seniors Day was also an occasion for dental hygienists to remind Canada’s seniors and their caregivers of the importance of maintaining good oral hygiene habits throughout the lifespan.

As experts in oral health promotion and disease prevention, Canadian dental hygienists support the use of dental floss as well as other dental aids, such as power toothbrushes and interdental brushes, to clean all tooth surfaces. When food accumulates between teeth, it is metabolized by bacteria to produce plaque. Plaque causes both inflammation of the gums (gingivitis) and the demineralization of teeth, which leads to tooth decay.

Talking Points: FLOSSING

Associated reading - CDHA position statement: Interdental brushing

The Canadian Dental Hygienists Association (CDHA) believes that partnerships are fundamental to building a deeper understanding of the dental hygiene profession and to advocating and promoting oral health nationwide. As a result, CDHA continues to develop important partnerships with key dental industry companies who are both industry leaders in innovative oral health care products and enlightened ambassadors for the profession.

World No Tobacco Day takes place on May 31, and this year, the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Secretariat of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control are calling on all countries to adopt plain (standardized) packaging of tobacco products. As experts in oral health promotion and disease prevention, Canadian dental hygienists support this effort to reduce tobacco consumption, recognizing the positive impact that it will have on both oral and overall health.

The Canadian Dental Hygienists Association (CDHA) applauds the federal government for its proposed ban on menthol cigarettes, blunt wraps, and most cigars. Announced on April 30 in the Canada azette, Part I, this amendment to the Tobacco Act is open to review and comments from interested parties for a 30-day consultation period.

National Dental Hygienists Week™ (NDHW™) takes place from April 9–15 as part of oral health month in Canada. Why not help your smile shine by making your dental hygienist your partner in disease prevention for better overall health.

On March 20, Canadian dental hygienists will join in the global celebration of World Oral Health Day. This year’s public awareness campaign has chosen as its slogan: “It all starts here. Healthy mouth. Healthy body,” in recognition of the fact that a person’s oral health affects their overall health and well-being.

The members, board, and staff of the Canadian Dental Hygienists Association (CDHA) extend their deepest condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of inspirational dental hygiene educator, researcher, and author, Margaret (Peggy) Walsh, who passed away at the end of January 2016.

On World Cancer Day (February 4), Canada’s dental hygienists will renew their commitment to the global fight against cancer, which claims 8.2 million lives worldwide every year. World Cancer Day’s new three-year “We can. I can.” campaign theme emphasizes the role that we all have to play in raising awareness and reducing the impact of cancer on individuals, families, and communities.

The Canadian Dental Hygienists Association (CDHA) joins our US counterpart, The American Dental Hygienists’ Association (ADHA), in expressing extreme disappointment in ABC Studios and The Bachelor for its recent unprofessional and inaccurate description of the dental hygiene profession in social media posts. The amount of hard work and dedication it takes to become a dental hygienist as well as the invaluable services they provide to enhance the oral and overall health of the Canadian public deserve nothing but respect. Please read the letter from CDHA President Donna Scott, RDH, and CDHA CEO Ondina Love, CAE, to the President of ABC Studios.

This National Non-Smoking Week (January 17–23) dental hygienists remind all Canadians of the critical need to eliminate tobacco use for optimal oral and overall health. According to the World Health Organization, smoking is the leading preventable cause of death. They estimate that one billion people will die from tobacco-related diseases in the 21st century.

The beginning of a new year is a perfect time to set new personal and professional goals. While many of us focus on self-improvement after the holidays, dental hygienists remind Canadians not to overlook oral health when making choices about improving overall physical and mental wellness.