Every year, the Canadian Dental Association (CDA) lobbies at the national level for federal tax initiatives and programs to have positive outcomes on oral health care, dental practices and the dental profession.
One of CDA's key annual advocacy activities is Days on the Hill. CDA works closely with cabinet ministers, critics, parliamentary secretaries and committee members who influence decision-making within the federal government.
- The CDA's advocacy efforts ensure that oral health care remains a recognizable and significant public health issue. CDA informs key decision-makers about matters that impact dentistry and the oral health of all of Canada's populations.
2024 Days on the Hill
CDA is hosting its annual Hill Days on October 21-22, 2024, as part of our ongoing advocacy efforts. During this event, CDA board members will meet with parliamentarians to discuss key issues affecting oral health in Canada, including:
De-insurance:
An unintended consequence of the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) is the risk of employers dropping dental coverage for employees who qualify for CDCP, and a plan is needed to mitigate this risk. De-insurance would shift the burden of coverage from employers to the federal government. If this happens, the program risks depleting its funds and falling short of its goal to provide essential oral health care to vulnerable populations who need it the most.
Health Human Resource Challenges:
Like other healthcare professions, the oral health workforce faces challenges including shortages of dental staff. These challenges are expected to be more prominent with full implementation of the CDCP.
Children’s Oral Health and Restricting Marketing to Kids:
Although Canadians have high rates of dental visits, children continue to have high rates of oral disease. The prevalence of oral disease is even higher when looking at children from lower socioeconomic backgrounds and Indigenous children. We are advocating for the federal government to implement measures to restrict the marketing of unhealthy foods to children.
A Cornerstone of Our Federal Engagements
Meeting with parliamentarians offer an opportunity for CDA to advocate on behalf of dentists and the profession for meaningful changes that promote access to dental care for all Canadians while addressing pressing challenges within the oral healthcare system. “Hill Days” are a cornerstone of our federal engagement, allowing us to work directly with policymakers to help ensure that oral health remains a top priority.
Date, Location and Theme
In addition to these meetings, we are excited to announce that on October 22, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., we will host a booth inside the Wellington Building at the Living Wall.
The theme of the booth is "Ask a Dentist," providing a unique opportunity for parliamentarians, staff, and visitors to ask questions about oral health directly to dental professionals. This initiative aims to increase awareness about dental care, promote healthy habits, and reinforce the importance of professional advice in maintaining oral health. We invite everyone to visit the booth and engage with Canadian dentists.
