The Canadian Dental Hygienists Association (CDHA) announced its support for ongoing funding for the Federal Tobacco Control Strategy (FTCS) to further reduce tobacco use levels in Canada.
Established in 2001, the FTCS has resulted in significant reductions in the levels of tobacco use in Canada, the CDHA noted in a press release. But the Canadian government recently proposed a $15 million reduction -- more than 30% -- of the FTCS budget.
With the anticipated reduction in Health Canada's tobacco-control funding, Canada is at risk of reversing the downward trend in tobacco use, according to the CDHA. Elimination of the grants and contributions program will result in reduced involvement with nonprofit partners who have made tobacco cessation a high priority.
The CDHA said these partnerships are successful because the organizations are uniquely equipped to meet the specialized health needs of different communities and priority populations across Canada.
"Dental hygienists focus on prevention and strongly believe continued investment in the FTCS will ultimately provide cost savings to the health system down the road," said Arlynn Brodie, CDHA president.
The CDHA has published a joint policy document, "The Role of Health Professionals in Tobacco Cessation," and a position paper, "Tobacco Use Cessation Services and the Role of the Dental Hygienist."
