April is Oral Health Month and National Dental Hygienists Week™ 

PORT HOPE (April 6, 2023) – April is Oral Health Month in Canada, and an important part of the celebration is National Dental Hygienists Week™ (NDHW™), which takes place April 4–10. The week’s theme is “Oral Health for Total Health,” to remind the public that taking care of our mouth, teeth, and gums benefits our overall physical and mental well-being for a lifetime. 

Good oral health plays an important role in our overall health. This year, during Oral Health Month and NDHW™, the Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit (HKPR District Health Unit) along with the Canadian Dental Hygienists Association (CDHA) will highlight the importance of supporting children’s oral health, especially now that the Canadian Federal Government has launched the new Canada Dental Benefit, which is intended to help lower dental costs for eligible families.

“We are excited to be celebrating Oral Health Month,” said Jessica Asselin, Health Promoter with the HKPR District Health Unit. “By promoting the importance of good oral health and advocating for better access to dental care for everyone we hope people of all ages develop good daily oral health habits.” 

Oral Health Programs and Services available to children are: 

Healthy Smiles Ontario 
Healthy Smiles Ontario is a government-funded dental program that provides free preventive, routine, and emergency dental services for children and youth 17 years old and under who meet financial and clinical eligibility requirements. 

Preventive Services Clinic 
HKPR District Health Unit provides free preventive services for eligible children and teens up to 17 years of age including fluoride varnish application, sealants, and scaling. 

Dental Screenings 
Provided at the Health Unit and in schools a Registered Dental Hygienist will perform an assessment by using a sterilized mirror to inspect your child’s mouth. Dental screening in schools provides an opportunity for children to be seen by a professional at no cost. 

Maintaining good oral health would not be possible without the help of dedicated oral health professionals. Consider thanking a member of your dental team this Oral Health Month.

HKPR District area residents can visit hkpr.on.ca/OralHealth for more information regarding HKPR District Health Unit programs and services available to address oral health at all stages, as well as eligibility information. 

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For media inquiries contact:

Ashley Beaulac, Manager of Communication Services, HKPR District Health Unit, 1-866-888-4577 ext. 1212, abeaulac@hkpr.on.ca, or Amanda Bray, Communications Officer, HKPR District Health Unit, 1-866-888-4577 ext. 1266, abray@hkpr.on.ca