BC Dental Association

Advocate to address the staff shortage crisis by requesting the federal government extends an exemption to dental assisting training programs from the proposed eligibility limitations under the Canada Student Grant for Full-Time Students for the 2026 to 2027 school year. Advocate to ensure the federal government implements sustainable solutions that prevent cuts to dental programs and ensure stable funding for post-secondary institutions to preserve and expand dental education across BC. Include Dental Assisting as an eligible program under the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), enabling international graduates to gain work experience, contribute to the healthcare system, and help address critical staffing shortages in dental care. Advocate to ensure the Canadian Dental Care Plan is fair, transparent, and sustainable for dental providers to administer, and that the plan continues to provide comprehensive care for vulnerable populations. Advocate to ensure the proposed federally funded dental plan is providing comprehensive care for BC's most vulnerable people.