April 2, 2026 | Ottawa, Ontario | Health Canada
April is National Oral Health Month in Canada, an opportunity to highlight the important role oral health plays in our well-being and overall health. It is also a time to recognize oral health professionals across the country who provide exceptional care.
Regular visits to an oral health care professional can reduce the risk of tooth decay, gum disease, and oral cancer. Oral health can have an impact on other serious health problems too, including cardiovascular diseases, diabetes and strokes. Over half of children aged 6 to 11 have had a cavity, and severe tooth decay is a leading cause of day surgeries in young children. In fact, poor oral health contributes to more than two million missed school days each year. Additionally, it is estimated that 4.15 million working-days for adults are lost annually due to dental visits or dental sick-days. For too long, many people in Canada have not been able to afford the oral health care they need.
The Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) is making oral health care more affordable for millions of eligible Canadian residents who do not have access to private dental insurance. Over 6 million Canadians are currently covered by the CDCP, while more than 4 million have already received care, saving, on average, $900 annually. Without access to dental care, many people visit the emergency rooms for dental issues, which could be treated in a dental office. These visits cost Canada's health care system more than $31 million in 2022-23. CDCP members must renew their coverage each year to confirm that they still meet the eligibility requirements and avoid any disruptions in their CDCP coverage. This year’s renewal period will be from April 15 to June 1, 2026.
Complementing the CDCP, the Government also supports the Oral Health Access Fund, which invests in targeted measures to address gaps among vulnerable populations and reduce or remove barriers to accessing care. So far, we’ve invested in more than 30 projects across the country. Together, these initiatives highlight that education, prevention, and access to affordable care are key to advancing better health outcomes for all.
This month also provides an opportunity to recognize National Dental Hygienists Week and National Dental Therapists Week. I would like to express my appreciation for all oral health care professionals, including dental assistants, dental therapists, dental hygienists, denturists, dental technologists, dentists and every member of the oral health care team, as well as the hard-working front-office staff. Together, oral health care professionals and their teams play a crucial role in prevention, early intervention, treatment, and education. Thank you for providing exceptional care for Canadians.
Canadian oral health care functions as a coordinated system. According to the Chief Dental Officer of Canada, it extends beyond the community of oral health providers. It relies on colleges and universities that educate them, national examination bodies that assess their skills before they can start working, and the provincial and territorial regulators that license them. The Canadian dental industry also plays a role by providing the remarkable services, equipment and materials needed to support the delivery of oral health care to Canadians.
I encourage all Canadians to learn more about their oral health, including how to maintain good oral health and how to prevent related diseases. It is also a great time to thank your oral health care providers and their teams for all that they do.
The Honourable Marjorie Michel, P.C., M.P.
Contacts
Guillaume Bertrand
Director of Communications
Office of the Honourable Marjorie Michel
Minister of Health
guillaume.bertrand@hc-sc.gc.ca
Media Relations
Health Canada
613-957-2983
media@hc-sc.gc.ca