April is Oral Health Month in Canada, and an important part of the celebration is National Dental Hygienists Week™ (NDHW™), which takes place from April 4–10. The week’s theme is “Oral Health for Total Health,” and it reminds us that taking care of our mouth, teeth, and gums benefits our overall physical and mental well-being for a lifetime.
This year, during NDHW™, dental hygienists will highlight the importance of supporting children’s oral health, especially now that the federal government has launched the new Canada Dental Benefit.
“Tooth decay is the most common, preventable childhood chronic disease in Canada and around the world,” notes Anne Caissie, president of the Canadian Dental Hygienists Association (CDHA). Oral diseases often begin in the preschool years when children don’t have a good at-home oral care routine or regular access to an oral health care professional. The Canada Dental Benefit will provide up to $650 per year, per child under 12 years of age, to parents or caregivers with an annual net family income under $90,000 and without private dental insurance. This financial support will offset the cost of professional oral care services, such as dental exams, X-rays, cleanings, fluoride applications, oral hygiene instruction, fillings, and tooth extractions. “Dental hygienists know that this program will have a lasting impact on the lives of an estimated 500,000 children across Canada,” adds Caissie. “That’s something we can all smile about!”
For additional information, visit dentalhygienecanada.ca.
