Government of Canada invests in research to improve dental care for Canadians
October 13, 2022 - CDHA applauds a new investment of $2 million over five years from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) to support an established national research network that will advance oral health science in Canada and help improve dental care for Canadians. With the support of the new funding from CIHR, the Network for Canadian Oral Health Research (NCOHR) will work together with scientists, health care providers, industry partners, and patient representatives across the country, to spearhead new discoveries and strengthen existing approaches for improving and maintaining oral health. CDHA’s has been a long-term partner with NCOHR to ensure dental hygiene is captured in research priorities and development. Read the announcement here.
Submission to the Standing Committee on Finance for the 2023 Federal Budget
October 7, 2022 - CDHA participates in the annual pre-budget consultations held by the House of Commons Standing Committee on Finance. CDHA’s spending priorities for the 2023 federal budget include the development of a comprehensive long-term national dental care program, the inclusion of oral health in the development of national standards for Canada’s long-term care homes and the expansion of student loan forgiveness for dental hygienists. Read the submission here.
Dental Hygienists Named in Proposed Dental Care Legislation (Bill C-31)
September 20, 2022 - In the opening of Parliament’s new fall session, the Government of Canada proposed new legislation to deliver targeted supports to Canadians as part of its affordability plan. Measures included the first stage of the government’s plan to deliver dental coverage for families with income under $90,000 under the Canada Dental Benefit which would provide direct payments totalling up to $1,300 per child over the next two years (up to $650 per year) to children under 12 who do not have access to dental insurance, starting October 1. According to the proposed legislation, dental care services means services provided by dentists, dental hygienists and denturists. CDHA will continue to follow the legislative process closely as the bill goes through several specific stages before it becomes law. Read Bill C-31, An Act respecting cost of living relief measures related to dental care and rental housing, here.
Submission to the Parliamentary Study of Children's Health
July 7, 2022 – CDHA is pleased to submit our brief on the importance of oral health for children’s health in response to a study being undertaken by the House of Commons Standing Committee on Health. CDHA’s submission advocates for investing in preventive and basic oral care services for children within the new federal dental program, accelerating the federal government’s plan to expand its current list of eligible professionals under its student loan forgiveness program, and the development of a national oral health strategy. Read CDHA’s full submission here.
Submission to the Parliamentary Study of Canada’s Health Workforce
April 14, 2022 - CDHA welcomes a study on Canada’s health workforce by the House of Commons Standing Committee on Health. CDHA’s submission advocates for federal action and investments to address increased access to oral health care for vulnerable people in Canada, and support of the dental hygiene segment of Canada’s health workforce. Read CDHA’s full submission here.
CDHA Discusses Dental Hygiene Care at News Conference
April 13, 2022 - In an April news conference in Vancouver, CDHA highlighted the importance of essential prevention services provided by dental hygienists for the new federal dental care program. CDHA’s manager of professional practice Donna Wells, RDH and local BC dental hygienists joined NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh as he highlighted the dental care program his party secured in its supply and-confidence agreement with the Liberal government. Click here to watch. CDHA strongly support Parliament’s role in making oral health a policy priority CDHA is here to work with Parliament on real, positive oral health outcomes for those who are most vulnerable.
New Federal Dental Care Program Announced by Prime Minister
March 22, 2022 - In a new agreement reached between the federal Liberals and the New Democrats, the parties agreed to prioritize a new dental care program for low-income Canadians. The program will be offered to children under the age of 12 in 2022, then expand to under-18-year-olds, seniors, and persons living with a disability in 2023. Full implementation will occur in 2025. Read CDHA’s statement applauding the March announcement by the prime minister, as well as a recent CTV Windsor news article featuring remarks from CDHA’s chief executive officer, Ondina Love.
Public Review of HSO’s New Long-Term Care Services Standard
February 14, 2022 - The public review of the new Long-Term Care (LTC) Services Standard drafted by the Health Standards Organization (HSO) is taking place between January 27 and March 27, 2022. This is an opportunity for anyone to review and comment on the draft standard before it is published. The proposed standard makes two references to oral health. Whether dental hygienists work in LTC or have a connection to a family member or friend in LTC, feedback may be provided in general terms or on specific criteria. CDHA will be participating in the review as well. Members can watch for a copy of CDHA’s key messages coming in early March if they wish to use them as a guide for their own responses to HSO. The public review can be accessed here.
HSO also released a report of findings summarizing the input from participants in their consultation workbooks and town halls in Fall 2021. CDHA participated in both past engagement opportunities to provide input. The report is available here.