1-800-267-5235
Hamburger menu icon
Group in purple ponchos in front of Niagara Falls with Practice360 logo

Conference Wrap-Up

Thank you to everyone who attended CDHA’s national conference in Niagara Falls, Ontario, from October 17 to 19, 2024. CDHA staff, board of directors, exhibitors, and sponsors collaborated to deliver one of the very best conferences to date!

Three preconference workshops were held at Trius, Peller Estates, and Ravine Estates Wineries and the conference was held at the Niagara Falls Convention Centre.

Conference attendees can access select handouts and a certificate of attendance from their online CDHA profile by November 1.

Conference Highlights

More than 650 participants from across Canada and the United States, including dental hygienists, speakers, and industry representatives, attended CDHA’s first in-person national conference since 2019. This exciting event offered three full days of professional development, networking, and other notable sessions and greetings, including a special appearance during the opening ceremony by the Honourable Mark Holland, Minister of Health. Hon. Holland announced that Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) fee parity for independent dental hygienists will start in the new year.

The conference kicked off on Thursday, October 17, with three preconference workshops at wineries in Niagara-on-the-Lake exploring powered and hand instrumentation, and a special session dedicated to dental hygiene program directors, coordinators, and leads. All workshops also offered a special wine tour and tasting, unique to each vineyard. Special thanks are extended to workshop sponsors Colgate, Dentsply Sirona, and HuFriedyGroup.

Honourable Mark Holland, Minister of Health and CDHA Board of Directors

Honourable Mark Holland, Minister of Health and Board of Directors

-Honourable Mark Holland, Minister of Health

-Sarah McVanel

Later that evening, the first 100 attendees into the tradeshow received a special giveaway, courtesy of Dentsply Sirona, and everyone networked and mingled with industry representatives during the welcome reception, sponsored by MercerMarsh Benefits. Showcased during the reception were peer-reviewed poster presentations and the new student project exhibit, sponsored by Waterpik. Inaugural winners of the exhibit were Maranda Mazoka from the University of British Columbia (1st place), Xuan Nguyen from the University of British Columbia (2nd place), and Kayla Ambrose, Grewal Jaz, Rania Zaidan, and Jon-Marie Gorte from Fanshawe College (people’s choice award). In total, 55 exhibitors joined us for the tradeshow; a record number for a CDHA national conference!

Tradeshow

Sunrise Breakfast and Special Presentation

On Friday, October 18, attendees arose for a sunrise breakfast, sponsored by Haleon, featuring a special presentation about sustainability in dentistry offered by Gareth Rudduck, Global Head of Conscious Consumption for Haleon, Oral Health Category. This presentation was recorded and will be released at a later date.

Dr. Timothy Donley

Dr. Timothy Donley

Morning Plenary and Awards Luncheon

Saturday, October 19, kicked off with an empowering message during the morning plenary session from Dr. Timothy Donley about the importance and necessity of collaboration between medicine and dentistry and the pivotal role played by dental hygienists. The program explored topics such as oral systemic link, assessment and AI, and stress management. The awards luncheon, sponsored by dentalcorp, honoured members who have shown extraordinary dedication and commitment to the profession and recognized CDHA’s long-standing industry partners and sponsors over a plated lunch. The day ended with a panel presentation and peer-reviewed oral presentations.

Awards arranged on a table

Awards

People sitting at tables, eating

Luncheon

CFDHRE Silent Auction

Throughout the conference, special attention was drawn to the Canadian Foundation for Dental Hygiene Research and Education’s 20th anniversary celebration through its’ silent auction. A total of $3,648 dollars were raised. CDHA also hosted a special booth with professional resources, prize giveaways, a photo booth, and a fun friendship bracelet-making area symbolizing the camaraderie of both the event and the profession.

Silent Auction sign with people looking at items on tables

CFDHRE Silent Auction

Thank You!

Last but not least, thank you to the CDHA members who participated in the conference! Your energy was palpable and radiated throughout the convention centre. While it’s difficult to wrap up the conference in a few words and highlight the auspicious nature of the event, the feelings, connections, and friendships generated between old and new colleagues will live on in the days that follow (and in the friendship bracelets made for one another!).

Mark your calendar! We look forward to seeing you on October 18, 2025, in Toronto for the dental hygiene symposium, held in collaboration with the American Academy of Periodontology, and watch for details of our 2026 national conference.

Memorable Quotes

“Dental hygienists are an army of people dedicated to prevention and we need to be the wind in your sails. We need a healthcare system based in prevention, not crisis, and dental hygienists understand that better than anyone“
– Honourable Mark Holland, Minister of Health
“Sometimes we have to be the champions of our own greatness. Put yourself at the top of the list”
– Sarah McVanel, Keynote Address
“The most important health care provider that a patient can see over their lifetime to maximize their chance for a long and healthy life is a dental hygienist”
– Dr. Timothy Donley, Speaker

Member Feedback

“Absolutely awesome! Fantastic speakers, beautiful location, great company! I wish conference was every year as I don't want to wait 2 years to do this all again!! Proud to be a CDHA RDH❤️.”
– Codie O.
“My first National CDHA Conference and definitely not my last! Really enjoyed the experience and Niagara Falls as a backdrop really made it one to remember!”
– Sheena B.
“CDHA never ceases to amaze me with the quality of the National conferences they put on. The speakers were all of an exceptional quality, and CDHA staff are always so supportive and helpful. I know that all the first-time conference registrants will be hooked and become a regular attendee for future conferences. There is something special about being able to network with your colleagues from across the country. Even after over 4 decades of dental hygiene practice I always come away re-energized from the conference. If you have not been, you don't know what you have been missing.”
– Marlene H.
“Had an awesome time learning with coworkers and colleagues in the profession across the country & outside. The conference was held in Niagara Falls which was a cherry on top with its breathtaking views. I'm glad I could attend CDHA's 2024 Conference!”
– Masooma R.

    Land Acknowledgement
    We acknowledge the unceded territory of the Algonquin Anishnabeg Nation as the traditional owners and guardians of the lands of the CDHA national office.

    Nigì kikenindànànàn iyo nìgànì ondamitàwini wìbidikewogamig padakising Màmìwininì Anishinàbeg odakìwàng neyàgadawendamòdjig kaye ega wìkàd kàmìgiwewàdj iyo akì.