April 7, 2014
April is Oral Health Month - an opportunity to remind Canadians about the importance of good oral care and its impact on our overall health. During this month, from April 6 - 12, we also celebrate a group of professionals dedicated to supporting the oral health of Canadians: dental hygienists.
Good oral health is a fundamental part of an overall healthy lifestyle and well-being. For more than a century, dental hygienists have been providing oral health care and prevention services through public health programs. Dental hygienists practise in various settings — including prenatal classes, schools, dentist offices, independent hygiene offices, community health clinics and long-term care centres — allowing them to treat dental issues and promote good oral health practices among Canadians of all ages. Regular visits to your dental hygienist can help you follow good oral hygiene practices and decrease your risk of dental issues.
This week, dental hygienists across the country will find creative ways to celebrate National Dental Hygienists Week in their communities through events, classroom presentations, displays, tours of dental offices, contests and much more.
As Minister of Health, I encourage you to protect your teeth and gums — and your overall health — by learning more about good oral health practices. For more information about National Dental Hygienists Week and on dental hygienists in Canada, please visit the Canadian Dental Hygienists Association website.
Sincerely,
The Honourable Rona Ambrose
Minister of Health
