September 30, 2024 – Ottawa, ON: Today, the Canadian Dental Association (CDA) joins the rest of Canada to acknowledge the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation—a day which coincides with Orange Shirt Day and recognizes the tragic legacy of residential schools, the missing children, the families left behind and the survivors of these institutions.
“As we reflect and honour the children who never returned home, as well as survivors of residential schools, their families, and communities, our journey towards reconciliation—as individuals and professionals—is further reinforced on this important day,” says Dr. Joel Antel, CDA President. “CDA remains committed to continually listening and learning to be effective allies to Indigenous Peoples across the country.”
For over three decades, CDA has advocated for Indigenous perspectives in oral health and has collaborated with officials administering the dental component of the Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB) program. We have also provided technical advice on its administration to the House of Commons Indigenous and Northern Affairs Committee’s study on Administration and accessibility of Indigenous Peoples to the NIHB program. Through CDA’s advocacy efforts, the NIHB program has subsequently seen vital improvements over time, including more recently the removal of the predetermination requirement for the replacement of selected partial dentures. Previously, this requirement created barriers to care. This change is an important step forward, even as we continue to advocate for further improvements to the program.
Additionally, CDA has also been advocating for the federal government to promote better access to oral healthcare for Indigenous communities, including improved access to both routine and surgical care. We expect the federal government should recruit more providers to travel to remote communities and fund the creation of public infrastructure such as surgical suites specifically for Indigenous patients. Many high needs patients—particularly children—require dental procedures performed in an operating room with heavy sedation or general anesthesia. Indigenous children from remote communities often struggle to access routine dental care, let alone advanced procedures of this nature.
“At the organizational level, we have embedded the development of an Indigenous engagement strategy in CDA’s new Strategic Plan,” says Dr. Aaron Burry, CDA Chief Executive Officer. “When fully developed, we hope that this work will guide us to build and strengthen relationships, as well as provide direction on how we appropriately engage in reconciliation efforts and adapt our processes to further include Indigenous perspectives and voices in all aspects of our work.”
CDA’s journey to advancing Indigenous reconciliation is ongoing. As Canada’s national voice for dentistry, we are inspired by reconciliation and to act with intention, transparency, and accountability today and every day.
“We remain committed to supporting improved access to oral health care for First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Peoples, and will continue to work alongside Indigenous communities to address their unique needs,” adds Dr. Antel.
To start or continue your learning journey about the rich and diverse cultures, voices, experiences, and stories of the First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Peoples, visit the Government of Canada’s official page and join the conversation on social media by using the hashtag #NDTR. Resources on the history of residential schools are also available on the government’s site. For mental health support on this issue, please get in touch with the 24-Hour Residential School Crisis Line at 1-866-925-4419.
Learn More
- National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
- Orange Shirt Day
- Indigenous Dental Association of Canada
- Truth and Reconciliation Commission Reports
About the Canadian Dental Association
The Canadian Dental Association (CDA) is a trusted national voice for dentists and leader working to improve the oral health of all people living in Canada. We promote oral health, support our members, and advance the dental profession. Founded in 1902, the Canadian Dental Association (CDA) is an association that has no regulatory role. It 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 practising dentists nationwide and is a trusted brand and source of information for and about the dental profession on national and international issues.
Media Contact:
Jeff D’Andrea
Media Relations Specialist
Spécialiste des relations avec les médias
Canadian Dental Association
613-523-7963
media@cda-adc.ca
