Dr. David A. Brown, the 152nd president of the Ontario Dental Association (ODA), is steering Ontario dentistry through one of its most consequential periods — with the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP), workforce shortages, and access-to-care disparities topping his advocacy agenda. Here is what his leadership priorities mean for dental professionals across the province.
As of April 2026, Dr. Brown has been leading the ODA for nearly a year, bringing four decades of volunteer service and a deep understanding of the challenges facing Ontario's dental community. His presidency coincides with a period of rapid change for the profession — from the ongoing evolution of the CDCP to persistent staffing challenges that affect practices from downtown Toronto to rural Northern Ontario.
Who Is Dr. David A. Brown?
Dr. Brown became ODA President on June 1, 2025, marking 40 years of continuous involvement with organized dentistry in Ontario. His career in association leadership is one of the longest in the ODA's history, giving him an unusually detailed perspective on how provincial dental policy has evolved — and where it needs to go next.
His appointment came at a critical juncture. The CDCP had recently expanded to cover all eligible Canadians, the ODA was negotiating its position on fee schedules and administrative burden, and workforce shortages were straining practices across the Greater Toronto Area and beyond.
Priority One: Making the CDCP Sustainable and Fair
Dr. Brown has been clear that the CDCP is his top priority. The federal dental care program has brought coverage to millions of previously uninsured Canadians, but its implementation has created significant challenges for dental practices in Ontario.
His stated goal: ensuring the CDCP evolves into something sustainable and fair for both patients and dentists, without jeopardizing the private insurance market that most Canadian dental practices depend on.
For practices in Toronto, Mississauga, Brampton, and across the GTA, this advocacy matters directly. The CDCP renewal period opened April 15, 2026, and practices are navigating a new cycle of eligibility verification, fee grid alignment, and administrative processing. The ODA's position on these issues shapes the framework within which every Ontario practice operates.
Pro Tip: Stay current on the ODA's CDCP updates by checking the ODA's member resources portal regularly. Fee grid changes and administrative requirements can shift between renewal cycles, and early awareness helps your front office prepare.
Priority Two: Addressing Ontario's Dental Workforce Crisis
Dr. Brown has identified the dental workforce shortage as a critical priority, calling on provincial and federal governments to invest in training incentives and program expansion. The shortage affects every role in the dental team — hygienists, dental assistants, and administrative staff are all in short supply across Ontario.
The numbers tell a stark story. Practices in Scarborough, Etobicoke, and North York report difficulty filling hygienist positions, while rural and northern Ontario communities face even more acute shortages. The expansion of the CDCP has increased patient volume at many practices without a corresponding increase in available workforce, creating a capacity mismatch.
The ODA under Dr. Brown's leadership is advocating for several workforce solutions:
- Expanded training seats: Increasing enrollment capacity at Ontario dental hygiene and dental assisting programs
- Credential recognition: Streamlining the process for internationally trained dental professionals to practice in Ontario
- Retention incentives: Government-backed incentives for dental professionals who commit to working in underserved communities
- Scope-of-practice expansion: Evaluating whether certain tasks can be safely delegated to trained team members, reducing bottlenecks
Pro Tip: If your practice is struggling with hiring, explore partnerships with Ontario dental hygiene and assisting programs for student clinical placements. These placements serve as an extended interview and can lead to post-graduation hires.
Priority Three: Access to Care for Underserved Populations
Dr. Brown has emphasized that while Canada has a strong oral healthcare system for the majority, roughly 30 percent of the population still lacks adequate access to dental care. His presidency is focused on addressing that gap through a combination of policy advocacy and community-based programs.
Indigenous oral health care is a specific priority. Dr. Brown has highlighted the disparities in oral health outcomes for Indigenous communities and the need for culturally appropriate care models. The ODA is working with Indigenous health organizations and provincial agencies to develop solutions that go beyond simply extending existing care models to communities where they have historically failed.
For practices in Vaughan, Markham, and across the GTA, access-to-care issues also manifest locally. Neighbourhoods with high concentrations of newcomers to Canada may have populations unfamiliar with the Canadian dental system, unaware of available coverage programs, or facing language barriers that discourage seeking care.
The Federal Election and the CDCP's Future
Adding complexity to Dr. Brown's advocacy agenda is the intersection of federal politics and dental policy. The ODA has been actively engaging on the question of what happens to the CDCP under different federal governance scenarios. With the program now covering millions of Canadians, any changes to its structure, funding, or eligibility criteria would directly affect Ontario dental practices.
The ODA's position has been consistent: regardless of which party governs federally, the CDCP must be maintained and improved. The focus should be on reducing administrative burden, aligning fee schedules with actual practice costs, and ensuring that dentists are not financially penalized for treating CDCP patients.
The ODA Annual Spring Meeting: May 7–9, 2026
Dr. Brown's priorities will be front and centre at the upcoming ODA Annual Spring Meeting, scheduled for May 7–9, 2026, at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre. The meeting offers more than 100 courses and workshops covering clinical, practice management, and personal development topics.
For dental professionals across Ontario, the ASM represents an opportunity to hear directly from ODA leadership about the advocacy agenda, network with colleagues navigating similar challenges, and earn continuing education credits. Registration details are available through the ODA's member resources.
Pro Tip: Plan your ASM schedule around the practice management and policy sessions, not just the clinical tracks. Understanding the regulatory and economic landscape is as critical to your practice's success as clinical skill development.
What This Means for Your Practice
Dr. Brown's presidency is focused on the structural issues that shape every aspect of running a dental practice in Ontario: how patients pay for care, whether you can find staff, and whether underserved populations can access your services. These are not abstract policy discussions — they directly affect your daily operations, your revenue mix, and your ability to grow.
Ontario dental professionals who engage with the ODA's advocacy work, attend policy sessions at the ASM, and stay informed on CDCP developments will be better positioned to adapt as the regulatory and economic landscape continues to shift.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the ODA's position on CDCP fee schedules for Ontario dentists?
The Ontario Dental Association (ODA) advocates for CDCP fee schedules that align with actual practice costs in Ontario. The ODA's position is that dentists should not be financially penalized for treating CDCP patients, and fee grids should reflect the cost of delivering care in Ontario's market.
Q: How is the ODA addressing the dental hygienist shortage in Ontario?
The ODA is advocating for expanded training seats in Ontario dental hygiene programs, streamlined credential recognition for internationally trained professionals, and retention incentives for practitioners who serve underserved communities. These measures aim to increase the supply of qualified dental team members across the province.
Q: When is the ODA Annual Spring Meeting 2026?
The ODA Annual Spring Meeting takes place May 7–9, 2026, at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre. The meeting features more than 100 courses and workshops in clinical, practice management, and personal development categories.
EBIKO Dental will continue monitoring ODA policy developments and their impact on Ontario dental practices. Visit ebiko.ca for the latest Canadian dental news and professional resources.