On April 17, 2025, Alberta’s Parliamentary Secretary for Rural Health Justin Wright read a Member Statement’s about Oral Health Month, the vital work of Alberta’s dentists and dental teams, and the move towards a made-in-Alberta dental plan.
MLA Wright’s Full Member’s Statement
Mr. Speaker,
April is Oral Health Month, and today I rise to recognize the vital work of Alberta’s dentists and oral healthcare teams who help keep our communities healthy — one smile at a time.
We know that oral hygiene is health. A healthy mouth is closely tied to our overall well-being, yet it’s often overlooked. That’s why the Alberta Dental Association is using this month to remind Albertans that small daily habits — brushing, flossing, eating well, and visiting the dentist — make a big impact. Dentists are essential members of our primary health care team.
This month, we also look ahead. Our government has announced its intent to opt out of the federal Canadian Dental Care Plan by 2026 and instead expand our own made-in-Alberta solution — one designed for patients, not paperwork. The federal plan was introduced without collaboration, and it duplicates existing coverage creating confusion and inefficiency for Albertans when they visit their dentist.
Alberta will negotiate for its share of federal funding and use it to remove red tape barriers and improve equitable access to oral healthcare for Albertans — especially those who currently fall through the cracks. Our province is committed to building a streamlined, effective dental program that puts patients first and respects the role of dental professionals.
I want to thank Alberta’s dentists, hygienists, assistants, administrative staff, and dental teams for their dedication. These professionals are integral for the health of Albertans – fixing not just our teeth but also detecting early signs and helping prevent potentially bigger health issues.
Mr. Speaker, I encourage all Albertans to use this month to get back to the oral health basics — and if you don’t have a dentist, visit albertadentalassociation.ca/dentist to find one today.