2021 Federal Budget
The federal government tabled its budget on April 19. A Recovery Plan for Jobs, Growth, and Resilience—the first federal budget since 2019—includes more than $101 billion in new investments over the next three years. CDHA is particularly pleased that the budget proposes to provide $3 billion over five years, starting in 2022–2023, to Health Canada to support provinces and territories in ensuring standards for long-term care are applied and permanent changes are made. CDHA is keeping an eye on key announcements from the federal budget and what they mean for the access to oral health services and the profession. Our debrief of the most important highlights is available here.
Calling for national oral health standards/guidelines for long-term care
CDHA is advocating to influence federal health policy on the importance of national oral health standards and guidelines to support residents in Canada’s long-term care homes. In our discussions with and submissions to government, CDHA is proposing recommendations for the creation of national oral health standards in long-term care to improve the oral health status for all residents. Our recommendations highlight the need for an interprofessional care team with dental hygienists as primary oral health care providers; oral health promotion, education, screening, and assessment programs; staff education and training; specific accreditation standards; and the inclusion of or the refinement to oral care requirements in long-term care standards and regulations. CDHA thanks the following contributors who shared their expertise, advice and time with us in the development of our latest recommendations: Arlynn Brodie RDH, Michelle Castano RDH, Wanda Fedora RDH, Sophie Freeman RDH, Tammy Gulevich RDH, and Lynda McKeown RDH.