Updated September 13, 2022

DIAC is actively engaging with Health Canada on behalf of our members as the new National Dental Plan proposed by the federal government is being developed. 

On July 8, DIAC Executive Director, Rhonda Lawson, and Heather Plewes, DIAC's Manager of Communications & Member Services, met (virtually) with Lindy VanAmburg, Executive Director and other members of the Dental Care Task Force at Health Canada to provide a brief introduction on the history, purpose and goals of the Association as they pertain to development of a National Dental Plan.

A small DIAC task force consisting of Rhonda Lawson, Heather Plewes, President Henry Doyle, Past-President Jim Wareing, and five additional representatives from the Board of Directors was formed in July 2022. Based on input from members of the task force, Rhonda Lawson drafted a Discussion Paper for submission to the Dental Care Task Force within the Strategic Policy Branch at Health Canada and the paper was submitted electronically on August 5.

On September 6, the DIAC task force met with Lindy VanAmburg, Executive Director and other members of her team at Health Canada to discuss development of the program, ask questions, and share knowledge of the Canadian oral healthcare landscape. 

Continued collaboration between the DIAC task force and Health Canada is expected.