Advocacy Activities

Ensuring Oral Health is a Priority this Federal Election

Oral health is essential to overall health and well-being. With the 2025 federal election, the Canadian Dental Association (CDA) is urging all political parties to make oral health a priority by improving access to care for Canadians and ensuring better oral health outcomes nationwide.

With sustainable, long-term oral healthcare policies, we can help secure a future where every Canadian has access to the dental care they need. Join us in ensuring that oral health remains a national priority this election season.

Our Key Advocacy Priorities for the 2025 Federal Election:

1. Sustainable, Long-term Federal Investment in Oral Health Care
   • Nearly half of low-income Canadians avoid the dentist due to cost.
   • Federal investment in oral healthcare will improve access to care for millions of Canadians.
   • 76% of Canadians believe it is important that the next federal government continues to fund dental care.
   • Federal funding for dental care ranks as a top 10 voter issue—more significant than national pharmacare.
2. Protecting Employer-Sponsored Dental Coverage
   • About two-thirds of Canadians rely on employer-sponsored dental benefits to access the care they need.
   • However, many employers may drop dental benefits for employees who may be eligible for the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP).
   • 11% of Canadians say their employer has already reduced their dental coverage because of the CDCP.
3. Support for the Oral Healthcare Sector in Addressing Critical Workforce Shortages
   • Canada is facing a growing shortage of dental hygienists and dental assistants, making it harder for patients to access timely care.
   • Without action, these shortages will only get worse, limiting access to essential dental care for Canadians.
   • CDA estimates that Canada will need an additional 2,300 dental assistants and over 1,500 dental hygienists in 2025 due to the increase in patients from the CDCP alone.

Stay Informed and Get Involved

• Read the full CDA Federal Election Policy Platform: [Download Here]
• Engage your local candidates urging them to prioritize oral health
  • Send a letter as a dentist
  • Send a letter as a member of the general public
• Follow us on social media and help amplify these critical advocacy priorities
  Facebook : @CanadianDentalAssociation
  LinkedIn : @Canadian Dental Association
  X (formerly Twitter) : @CdnDentalAssoc
  Instagram : @CdnDentalAssoc