News Release

September 30, 2026 – Ottawa, ON: On the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, the Canadian Dental Association (CDA) joins people across Canada in honouring the children who never returned from residential schools, survivors, their families and communities, and all of those affected by the enduring legacy of the residential school system.

For CDA, reconciliation is not limited to a single day. It is an ongoing responsibility that informs the Association’s efforts to improve oral health equity for First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples, and to help foster a more inclusive and culturally safe dental profession.

“Reconciliation is measured not by what we say once a year, but by what we choose to do every day,” says Dr. Kirk Preston, CDA president. “As Canada’s national dental association, we recognize our responsibility to listen, learn and work in meaningful partnership with Indigenous Peoples and organizations. Our goal is to help advance equitable access to oral health care, foster culturally safe practices, and ensure reconciliation is reflected in our actions and leadership.”

One of the ways CDA puts this commitment into action is through its Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP), identified in Forward Focus: Strategic Plan 2024–2029 as CDA’s Indigenous Strategy. Developed with Innovation 7 and informed by the Indigenous Dental Association of Canada, CDA staff and Board members, the RAP provides a framework for advancing reconciliation across CDA’s governance, operations, culture and leadership.

The RAP is moving into implementation, with reconciliation actions being incorporated into CDA’s work and supported by clear responsibilities and accountability.

CDA is also investing in learning and relationship-building. Over the past year, CDA staff and Board members have participated in Indigenous cultural awareness and reconciliation training, building understanding of Indigenous histories, cultural safety and the role of the dental profession in reconciliation. CDA has also strengthened its approach to land acknowledgements, through a Land Acknowledgement Toolkit and the incorporation of land acknowledgements across its digital platforms and within its Ottawa office.

Partnership with Indigenous organizations and communities remains an important part of CDA’s efforts. From 2020 to 2025, CDA supported the Healthy Smile Happy Child (HSHC) initiative through annual funding, helping to advance a community-led program promoting oral health among First Nations and Métis children in Manitoba. The initiative highlighted the value of culturally informed, community-based approaches to improving oral health and preventing early childhood caries.

“Meaningful reconciliation requires long-term commitment, humility and accountability,” says Dr. Aaron Burry, CDA’s Chief Executive Officer. “We are grateful to the Indigenous leaders, organizations and communities that continue to share their knowledge and perspectives with us. Their guidance has strengthened our work, and we remain committed to building respectful relationships that improve oral health outcomes for Indigenous Peoples and contribute to a more inclusive dental profession.”

On the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, CDA encourages Canadians to learn about the history and legacy of residential schools, listen to the experiences and perspectives of First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples, reflect on the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action, and consider how reconciliation can be advanced in our workplaces, communities and everyday lives.

About the Canadian Dental Association

The Canadian Dental Association (CDA) serves as the national voice for dentistry in Canada, dedicated to improving the oral health of Canadians and supporting dental professionals. CDA, a non-regulatory authority, is a federally incorporated not-for-profit organization whose corporate members are Canada’s provincial and territorial dental associations (PTDAs). CDA represents over 21,000 practicing dentists from coast to coast to coast.

Media Contact
Jeff D’Andrea
Canadian Dental Association
613-523-7963
media@cda-adc.ca