Spring 2026 Dental Hygiene Drive

Oral health is an essential part of overall health, yet access to dental care and basic hygiene products remains unequal across Canada. Even with recent progress in public dental coverage through the introduction of the CDCP, many individuals and families continue to face significant financial barriers to routine dental care and preventive oral hygiene. For individuals already managing rising living costs, purchasing items such as toothbrushes and toothpaste is often postponed or avoided entirely, despite their importance to long-term health.

Preventive oral care plays a critical role in reducing the burden of dental disease. Consistent access to basic hygiene supplies can help prevent infections, pain, and more serious complications that may later require urgent or costly treatment. When preventive care becomes inaccessible, small concerns gradually become more serious and more expensive to manage, while also reducing an individual's quality of life.

These challenges are often intensified in rural and underserved communities. Accessing dental care may require travelling to another town, paying for transportation, or taking unpaid time away from work. In some areas, the nearest pharmacy or grocery store may not be close by, which makes even basic hygiene products less accessible than many people realize. For individuals already facing financial pressure, these additional costs can create another barrier to maintaining consistent oral health routines.

The Spring 2026 Dental Hygiene Drive aims to improve access to preventive oral hygiene supplies by collecting unopened toothbrushes and toothpaste for community distribution. The initiative supports individuals who may experience disproportionate barriers to obtaining these products due to financial limitations, geographic isolation, or broader social inequalities. Reliable access to everyday hygiene products plays an important role in supporting long-term oral health and overall well-being. 

Oral hygiene products: an ongoing need

Although this drive will run from April 20 to May 14, 2026, the need for dental hygiene supplies extends far beyond a single collection period. Community organizations require a reliable supply of essential items throughout the year, particularly as demand for support services continues to grow. Donations made outside of the official drive period are also welcome, as support for oral health access is an ongoing priority. We are constantly donating supplies, bulk or not. 

What we are collecting

We are accepting unopened donations of:

• Toothbrushes

• Toothpaste

All donations are distributed at no cost to recipients through our partner organizations.

Where donations go

Donations collected through this drive will support organizations serving individuals and families experiencing financial hardship in both urban and rural communities.

• Bissell Centre provides support services for individuals and families facing poverty in Edmonton. Hygiene products are among the most consistently needed items because they are used daily and are difficult to keep stocked in large quantities.

• Rural food banks in Mayerthorpe, Westlock, and Barrhead serve communities where the nearest pharmacy or grocery store may be a significant distance away. For rural families, access to non-food essentials, such as dental hygiene products, is a persistent challenge that food banks work to address alongside food insecurity.

Attention Dental Clinics

If your clinic has extra samples on hand, bulk donations are welcome and make a significant impact on what we can distribute. Clinics interested in contributing are encouraged to reach out regarding donation arrangements, and we will be happy to pick up at a time that is convenient for you. 

Drop-off location (April 20 - May 14, 2026)

West Jasper Sherwood Community League 

9620 152 St NW, Edmonton, AB

Conclusion

Improving access to oral health begins with addressing the barriers that prevent people from meeting basic daily needs. Preventive care should not depend on income, geography, or circumstance. By contributing to this initiative, donors are helping support healthier communities while ensuring that essential oral hygiene supplies reach individuals who need them most.

Every contribution, regardless of size, helps strengthen access to preventive oral care and supports the broader goal of making oral health resources more accessible and equitable.