Canadian Dental Hygienists Association

Canadian Dental Hygienists Association: national representation of dental hygiene in Canada

The Canadian Dental Hygienists Association (CDHA) presents itself as the national voice of dental hygienists in Canada. According to its own description, it represents more than 23,000 members and supports nearly 34,000 professionals in the sector. Its activity is built around advocacy for the profession, education, and ongoing professional development.

Association structure and governance

The organization has a board of directors and a staff team, whose profiles and responsibilities are detailed on its website. It also has external advisory committees and its own committees, including the Education Advisory Committee, the Healthy Workplace Advisory Committee, the Independent Dental Hygiene Practice Advisory Committee, the National Service Code Review Committee, the Professional Development Advisory Committee, and the Research Advisory Committee. The association maintains ties with the provincial associations of Alberta (DHAA), British Columbia (BCDHA), Manitoba (MDHA), New Brunswick (NBDHA), Newfoundland and Labrador (NLDHA), Ontario (ODHA), Prince Edward Island (PEIDHA), Quebec (FHDQ), and Saskatchewan (DHAS).

Membership and benefits

CDHA offers membership join and renewal options, with pricing, add-ons, and prize draws. Benefits include discounts and services for members, free webinars, insurance programs, support for professional practice, and access to the CDHA online community, with blogs, forums, and wikis. The association also recognizes member milestones and achievements through Member Milestones and Member Moments.

Publications and professional resources

The association publishes Oh Canada! magazine, dedicated to oral health, with information for contributors, sponsorship and advertising, and a Readers' Choice Award. It also publishes the Canadian Journal of Dental Hygiene, a peer-reviewed research journal indexed in MEDLINE. In the field of research, it maintains a dental hygiene research agenda, a national oral health research strategy, and a directory of dental hygienists with doctoral degrees. The Canadian Foundation for Dental Hygiene Research and Education is responsible for research funding.

Advocacy for the profession and resources of public interest

CDHA carries out advocacy initiatives focused on new federal funding, seniors, the Visit Your DH campaign, Canada Student Loan Forgiveness for rural and remote communities, community water fluoridation, and the tax implications of employer-sponsored health and dental benefits. It publishes fact sheets, reports, a code of ethics, and a client's bill of rights. It also addresses the Canadian Dental Care Plan, a federally delivered public plan, with frequently asked questions available.

Professional development and events

The training offering includes online courses on various topics, free and third-party webinars, video podcasts, position papers, statements, and guides, as well as in-person and virtual events. The association will hold its 2026 national conference from November 12 to 14 in Halifax, Nova Scotia, with a program, special events, speakers, an exhibit hall, information for exhibitors, registration fees, and travel planning. It offers a justification kit for those who need to make the case for financial support.

Independent practice and the world of work

For those in independent practice, CDHA offers a guide to running a dental hygiene practice, an independent practice network (IPN), FAQs on starting a business, billing and insurance claims, long-term care resources, business courses, and planning guides. In the workplace area, it publishes a 2025 labour market and employment survey, resources for a healthy and respectful work environment, a workplace wellness corner, the Thriving Together: Lunch & Learn series, the Healthy Professional Worker Partnership, and videos on conversations to build collaborative workplaces, as well as content on physical health and ergonomics, mental health, and contracts and policies.

Students and career development

The association devotes a section to students who are graduating or just starting out, with information on the Canada Student Loan Forgiveness Program, student membership, dental hygiene education in Canada, regulation of the profession, pursuing education beyond a diploma, graduation tips, a student leadership program, and a writing competition. The career centre includes career information, job postings across Canada, and the option to post listings for free.

Editorial activity and institutional presence

CDHA maintains a news and events section with press releases, media appearances, and the celebration of National Dental Hygienists Week, which includes a colouring contest, the Put Your Purple On! initiative, landmark lighting, and celebration ideas, as well as free promotional materials and media resources. The association offers corporate sponsorship, advertising, and affinity program opportunities, with more than 10,000 targeted impressions per month according to its own information, and an online store.