Your Trusted Source for Oral Health News
We believe that a healthy community is a thriving one. Here, we share the latest news and research to help you stay informed and empowered.
Filter news posts by
Category
Tags
Media Contact
The Alberta Dental Association is the official voice for Alberta dentists.
If you are a reporter, producer, host or writer who needs information on oral health, dentistry in Alberta, the ADA, or want to interview a dentist, please contact:
Lucas Warren
780-932-0534
lwarren@albertadentalassociation.ca
Renewals for the 2026-2027 CDCP Benefit Year End June 1
If you’re covered under the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP), June 1, 2026 is the last day to renew your coverage. If you do not renew by the deadline, your 2026-2027 coverage will end on June 30, 2026. Applications for the 2026-2027 benefit year will open on June 2, 2026, 10 a.m. MT To renew, apply, […]
Calling all speakers, educators, and dental experts
The Alberta Dental Association is building a speaker database for upcoming education opportunities across Alberta, from live webinars and on-demand learning to in-person sessions, hands-on workshops, and most excitingly, the Alberta Dental Team Summit! Have a topic that could inform, challenge, or inspire Alberta’s dental community? We want to hear from you.
Fluoride in Drinking Water Has No Effect on IQ or Brain Function, Study Finds
A new study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences brings reassuring news.
Good Oral Health a Powerful Defense Against Pneumonia
New research from Australia provides compelling evidence that simple, consistent oral care for hospital patients can reduce the risk of non-ventilator-associated hospital-acquired pneumonia (NV-HAP) by an impressive 60%. This study, involving over 8,800 patients, underscores how basic oral hygiene directly prevents serious systemic complications, reduces hospital stays, and lowers healthcare costs. Good oral health is […]
Oral Cancer Screening in General Practice: What Actually Matters in 2026
Oral cancer is uncommon in general dental practice, but missed diagnoses carry significant consequences. For most patients, the first opportunity for detection occurs during routine dental care, placing general dentists in a critical position.
Good oral health isn’t complicated — Alberta’s dentists want you to know what works
Dental teams are encouraging Albertans to return to the fundamentals: brush twice a day, floss, eat well, and visit a dentist regularly. In an era of competing wellness trends and online health advice, dentists say those four habits remain the most effective way to protect both oral and overall health, at every stage of life.
Your Next Dental Appointment May Save Your Life
April is Oral Health Month, and this year Alberta’s oral health community is coming together through A Mouth Says A Lot campaign to highlight the broader role dentists, dental hygienists, dental assistants, and denturists play in protecting overall health.
Listening to her mouth
Former dental hygienist and oral cancer survivor Jennifer Cicci is on a mission to save lives
Dr. Carol Martin is the President of the Alberta Dental Association for 2026
Rural Alberta dentist brings decades of practice and governance experience to her term, will focus on access to care and oral health education.
What Does Excellence in Dentistry Look Like?
Dr. Cheryl Cable is the 2025 recipient of the Alberta Dental Association’s Advocacy Leadership Award, which recognizes members who have demonstrated outstanding service, innovation, and leadership in advancing oral health and patient care in Alberta.
Study Links Good Dental Hygiene to a Longer, Better Life
A person’s oral health can provide important clues about their life expectancy and whether they will require long-term care.
Happy New Year: Don’t Leave Oral Health Behind
Gym membership. Check. Buy a funky new journal. Check. Dentist appointment. Check.
Alberta Dental Association’s Statement on Community Water Fluoridation
The ADA strongly supports community water fluoridation as a safe, effective, and fair way to prevent tooth decay and improve oral health for Albertans.
New Research Links Oral Health to Alzheimer’s Prevention
Study suggests that maintaining good oral health may play a far greater role in preventing Alzheimer’s disease than previously understood.
Two Years of the Canadian Dental Care Plan
It has been two years since the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) began rolling out, and many Albertans are asking what has changed and whether they still qualify.
A Trip to the Dentist Could Save Your Life
There’s more to the dentist than cleanings and fillings.
Dental Tourism Is More Expensive Than You Think
As the dental tourism market expands globally, the Alberta Dental Association urges Albertans to consider the long-term value of regulated care.
Strong Link Between Gum Disease and Stroke Risk
Recent research confirms that untreated gum disease and cavities significantly raise the risk of ischemic stroke.
Giving Back, One Smile at a Time
Dr. Kuen Chow is the 2025 recipient of the Alberta Dental Association’s Community Connector Award. This award recognizes members who have made exceptional contributions to improving oral health and supporting communities in need.
A Lifetime of Smiles in Rural Alberta
Dr. Ken Miller has built a reputation as a trusted community member in St. Paul, Alberta, earning him the Alberta Dental Association Lifetime Achievement Award.
A Lifetime Dedicated to Building Better Dentists
For over thirty years, Dr. Paul Major has been a leader in dental education, research, and professional leadership.
Fluoride Returns to Calgary’s Water
“Calgarians should be proud of this decision, adding fluoride to tap water is one of the simplest and most effective ways to prevent cavities,” says Dr. Hans Herchen, President of the Alberta Dental Association.
Team First: Alberta’s Dental Teams United to Improve Access to Oral Health Care
The Dental Hygienists Association of Alberta (DHAA) and the Alberta Dental Association (ADA) stand together in unwavering support of respectful workplaces for the entire oral health care team.
In Good Hans
Dr. Hans Herchen steps into the presidency of the Alberta Dental Association in 2025 prepared and with a clear vision.
Finding the Right Tune
Poor grades and the occasional doubt couldn’t deter Dr. Robert Mast from finding his eventual calling as a dentist—but not without a few stops along the way.
Volunteer Dental Care is Changing Lives in Red Deer
The Dental Outreach of Red Deer (DOoR) program has quietly been changing lives across central Alberta.
Dr. Bruce Ward is Appointed as New CDA President
The Canadian Dental Association (CDA) has announced the appointment of Dr. Bruce Ward as the 2025/2026 CDA president.
Member’s Statement on Oral Health Month
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.
Social media trends are targeting your teeth
Mouth taping, oil pulling, tooth gems and tongue scraping are all having a moment on social media. But what does it mean when these toothy trends go viral?
Smile, it’s April
April is Oral Health Month and Alberta’s dentists want you to know that small habits can make a big difference when it comes to your oral health.
Alberta Dentists Ready to Work with Province Toward a Made-in-Alberta Dental Care Program
With applications for the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) opening in May for Canadians aged 18 to 64, Alberta dentists are hopeful that the federal program can soon become provincial.
Alberta Dental Association Welcomes Dr. Hans Herchen as New President
Edmonton dentist Dr. Hans Herchen is the president of the Alberta Dental Association for 2025.
Here’s what the experts say about sleeping with your mouth taped
ADA Vice-President, Dr. John Tran on the viral trend of mouth taping during sleep.
Register Now for the 2025 Alberta Dental Team Summit
Designed for the entire dental team, this year’s Summit will take place from May 8 – 10, 2025, at the stunning Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel. This is another opportunity to gain new insights, connect with peers, and recharge in one of Canada’s most stunning destinations.
Oil Check(Up)
Over the past dozen years as one of three dentists for the Oilers, Dr. Trevor Ushko has treated numerous serious injuries, plus the usual stitches and broken teeth.
The Sweet Life of Dr. Eileen Jang
Grabbing a chocolate bar as you leave the dentist may seem somewhat counterproductive. But at Dr. Eileen Jang’s dental office in south Edmonton, sugary treats are there for the taking.
Doing More: Josh Benner takes the helm of the U of A Dental Students’ Association
An enthusiastic and energetic volunteer, Josh Benner believes in the power of participation.
Dr. Suzy Depledge on Access to Oral Health Care in Rural and Remote Indigenous Communities
ADA Director Dr. Suzy Depledge on the Dentistry for All Initiative, providing oral health care to broader communities, and about reducing the costs associated with providing dentistry services to remote and rural Indigenous communities.
Dr. Carol Martin: Adventures in Rural Dental Practice
ADA Board Member Dr. Carol Martin writes about why she decided to practice in rural Alberta and some of the experience she has had over the past 33 years.
Caught Being Good: TREC Dental Steps Up as ADTS Charitable Partner
Nitin Khandekar, COO, of TREC Dental recounts their experience as the Charitable Partner at the 2024 Alberta Dental Team Summit.
Recap: 2024 Alberta Dental Team Summit
The 2024 Alberta Dental Team Summit was held in Calgary, Alberta from June 20 – 22, 2024, brought together every facet of the dental team under one roof, exploring wellness activities that foster high-performing dental teams, bring back joy in work, and fuel business success.
Albertans Continue to Qualify for Canadian Dental Care Plan
In response to the ADA’s call for clarity, the Province has confirmed that Albertans remain eligible to qualify for and receive care under the CDCP.
Alberta Dentists Seek Clarity and Consultation on Provincial Opt-Out
Statement from the Alberta Dental Association on Premier Danielle Smith’s June 25, 2024, letter opting out of the Canadian Dental Care Plan.
Canadian Dental Association Urges Swift Action by Federal Government on Remaining Issues in Canadian Dental Care Plan
Over the past months, CDA and PTDAs have provided Health Canada with expert advice on how to best shape CDCP to make it work for patients and providers.
An Inquiring Mind
A profile of clinician, academic and University of Alberta post-graduate researcher Dr. Devarasa Murugeshappa
The Best Job in the World
U of A Dental Students’ Association President Jason Adam is ready for a career in dentistry.
Making a Difference for Dentists
Dr. Jenny Doerksen knows the power of embracing different ideas, collaboration, and pushing for greater outcomes.
2024 White Coat Ceremony
On May 16, 2024, the 23rd annual White Coat Ceremony was held for the University of Alberta Doctor of Dental Surgery Class of 2026.
Your thoughts on the Canadian dental plan
ADA President Dr. Jenny Doerksen joined the CBC’s Alberta at Noon program to discuss the CDCP.
Dentists hesitant to join Canadian Dental Plan, cite “contracts with unknown terms and conditions”
The CDCP is set to start providing coverage in May, but there are concerns that not enough dentists will enroll to provide care to the seniors that have signed up already.