Advancing Truth and Reconciliation at the Canadian Dental Hygienists Association

Our Commitment to Reconciliation

Reconciliation is an ongoing process rooted in truth, respect, and action. CDHA is committed to:

• supporting the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s Calls to Action (specifically calls 18 to 24), including advancing cultural safety, supporting Indigenous led approaches to care, and addressing health inequities.
• promoting culturally safe and trauma informed oral health care for Indigenous clients and communities.
• listening and valuing the voices of Indigenous leaders and health professionals.
• strengthening relationships with Indigenous communities through collaboration, learning, and respect.
• advocating for health equity, recognizing the systemic barriers that many Indigenous Peoples continue to face in accessing oral health services.

Land Acknowledgement

We acknowledge the unceded territory of the Algonquin Anishnabeg Nation as the traditional owners and guardians of the lands of the CDHA national office.

Nigì kikenindànànàn iyo nìgànì ondamitàwini wìbidikewogamig padakising Màmìwininì Anishinàbeg odakìwàng neyàgadawendamòdjig kaye ega wìkàd kàmìgiwewàdj iyo akì.

Land acknowledgements are one step towards meaningful reconciliation but must be accompanied by ongoing action and relationship building with Indigenous Peoples. CDHA encourages all members to acknowledge the traditional caretakers of the lands and territories where they reside.

Inequities in Access to Oral Health Care

Oral health impacts overall health, confidence, communication, and well being. Yet Indigenous Peoples in Canada continue to face:

• barriers to care in rural and remote areas, travelling far distances for treatment and continuity of care from appropriate providers.
• infrastructure gaps, such as unsafe drinking water, limited access to fluoride, and housing conditions that make oral care difficult.
• food insecurity, living with a higher risk of caries due to limited access to affordable, nutritious foods.
• colonial health systems that perpetuate power imbalances and dental anxiety.
• higher rates of preventable oral health conditions, such as cavities and gum disease.
• systemic inequities shaped by colonial policies.

CDHA is committed to partnering with Indigenous leaders, organizations, and communities to support Indigenous‑led care and health sovereignty through culturally safe, patient‑centred, and relational practice.

Cultural Safety and Humility in Dental Hygiene Care

Dental hygienists are encouraged through professional development learning opportunities to practise with:

• cultural safety: recognizing power imbalances and ensuring that each client feels respected, physically, emotionally, and spiritually safe, and free from racism and discrimination.
• cultural humility: engaging in lifelong self reflection, acknowledging existing systemic and personal biases, and building relationships based on trust and respect.
• trauma informed approaches: understanding how trauma can influence oral health, client experiences, and oral health behaviours.

These principles support safer, more compassionate, and more effective care for First Nations, Inuit, and Métis clients.

From Learning to Practice

CDHA continues to share learning materials and Indigenous led perspectives to help members strengthen their understanding and practice:

• webinars and presentations led by Indigenous educators and health professionals.
• resources on cultural safety and trauma informed oral health care.
• tools to support respectful communication and inclusive practice.

We will expand these resources as part of our ongoing commitment to reconciliation.

Our Path Forward

Reconciliation is not a single action, but rather an enduring responsibility. CDHA will continue to:

• integrate Indigenous perspectives into professional development offerings and resources.
• support Indigenous Peoples’ right to equitable access to oral health care.
• work with governments to enhance oral health coverage for Indigenous populations.
• build and strengthen relationships with Indigenous communities and organizations.
• promote respectful, culturally informed care throughout the dental hygiene profession.
• support Indigenous led dental hygiene education by making space for Indigenous knowledge systems to guide learning, practice, and program development.

Reconciliation requires lifelong learning, reflection, and action. CDHA remains committed to advancing culturally safe practice, addressing inequities in oral health, and strengthening relationships with Indigenous Peoples in respectful and accountable ways.