April is National Oral Health Month (NOHM) in Canada, and the Canadian Dental Association (CDA) is using the 2026 campaign to spotlight oral cancer awareness — including the role of human papillomavirus (HPV) as a significant risk factor. As of April 2026, dental professionals across Ontario have a critical opportunity to educate patients and integrate screening into routine care.
Every April, the CDA launches a national campaign to encourage Canadians to prioritize their oral health. This year's theme — "Healthy Smiles, Informed Choices — Oral Health, Every Day" — goes beyond brushing and flossing. The CDA is asking dental professionals to start conversations with patients about oral cancer, HPV, and the importance of early detection. For practices in Toronto and the GTA, this is a timely call to action.
Why Oral Cancer Is the Focus of NOHM 2026
Oral cancer remains one of the most under-discussed cancers in Canada, despite affecting thousands of Canadians every year. The Canadian Cancer Society estimates that approximately 5,400 Canadians are diagnosed with oral cavity and oropharyngeal cancers annually, and roughly 1,500 die from the disease each year. Five-year survival rates hover around 65%, but early-stage detection dramatically improves outcomes — pushing survival rates above 80%.
The CDA's 2026 campaign is specifically designed to help Canadians understand what oral cancer looks like, why HPV is a growing risk factor, and that their dentist is the front-line professional for screening and early detection.
HPV and Oral Cancer: What Ontario Dentists Need to Tell Patients
Human papillomavirus is now the leading cause of oropharyngeal cancers in Canada, surpassing tobacco as the primary driver. HPV-16, in particular, is responsible for the majority of HPV-related oral cancers. The demographics are shifting too: HPV-related oral cancers disproportionately affect men aged 40–60, many of whom have no traditional risk factors like smoking or heavy alcohol use.
For dental professionals in Mississauga, Brampton, Markham, Vaughan, Scarborough, Etobicoke, and North York, this means the patient sitting in your chair who has never smoked may still be at significant risk.
Key Talking Points for Patient Conversations
- HPV is common. Most sexually active adults will contract some form of HPV in their lifetime. The vast majority of infections clear on their own, but persistent HPV-16 infection can lead to oropharyngeal cancer years or decades later.
- Vaccination is effective. The HPV vaccine (Gardasil 9) is publicly funded in Ontario for students in Grade 7 and is available for adults through pharmacies and physician offices. The CDA encourages dental professionals to discuss vaccination with patients, particularly parents of eligible children.
- Screening catches it early. A thorough oral cancer screening — visual examination of the oral cavity, palpation of lymph nodes, and inspection of the tongue base, tonsils, and soft palate — takes less than 5 minutes and can be integrated into every recall appointment.
Pro Tip: Add a standardized oral cancer screening protocol to every hygiene recall appointment. Document findings in the patient chart using a consistent template. The Ontario Dental Association (ODA) recommends that visual and tactile screening be part of routine comprehensive examinations.
Warning Signs Every Patient Should Know
The CDA's 2026 NOHM materials highlight specific warning signs that Canadians should watch for between dental visits:
- A sore or ulcer in the mouth that doesn't heal within two weeks
- Red or white patches on the gums, tongue, or lining of the mouth
- Unexplained numbness or pain in the mouth, lips, or face
- Difficulty swallowing, chewing, or moving the jaw or tongue
- A persistent sore throat or feeling that something is caught in the throat
- A lump or thickening in the cheek, neck, or jaw
- Unexplained bleeding in the mouth
Dental professionals play a unique role here. Unlike many other cancers, oral cancer has visible and palpable signs that can be detected during a routine dental examination — often before the patient experiences any symptoms.
Salivary Diagnostics: An Emerging Screening Tool
Research published in April 2026 by OralDNA Labs highlights advances in salivary diagnostic testing for oral HPV. These chairside tests can detect the presence of high-risk HPV strains in the oral cavity, giving dental professionals an additional data point for risk assessment. While salivary HPV testing is not yet a standard-of-care screening tool in Canada, it represents a promising direction for practices looking to offer enhanced screening protocols.
The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO) has not yet issued formal guidance on incorporating salivary HPV testing into routine dental examinations. However, practitioners who wish to offer it should ensure patients receive proper informed consent and understand the limitations of the test — including that a positive HPV result does not mean cancer is present.
Pro Tip: If your practice is considering adding salivary HPV testing, start by reviewing the current literature and discussing it at your next team meeting. Designate one team member to research available testing platforms and associated costs. Be transparent with patients about what the test can and cannot tell them.
How to Support NOHM 2026 in Your Practice
The CDA provides free downloadable resources for dental practices participating in National Oral Health Month. Here's how your practice can get involved:
1. Display CDA Campaign Materials
The CDA's 2026 NOHM toolkit includes posters, social media graphics, and patient handouts focused on oral cancer awareness. Display them in your waiting room and operatories throughout April.
2. Host a Patient Education Moment
Use your practice's social media channels — Instagram, Facebook, or TikTok — to share short educational posts about oral cancer risk factors and screening. Even a 30-second video from your dentist explaining what an oral cancer screening involves can build trust and awareness.
3. Offer Complimentary Screenings
Some practices across the GTA are offering complimentary oral cancer screenings during April as part of NOHM. This is a strong community engagement strategy that positions your practice as proactive and patient-centred.
4. Connect with Local Public Health
Public health units across Ontario — including Toronto Public Health and Peel Region Public Health — often coordinate NOHM activities. Participating in or promoting these initiatives strengthens your practice's community presence.
Pro Tip: Create a simple "Did you know?" card about oral cancer and HPV to hand to every patient during April. Include the CDA's NOHM website link and your practice's contact information. It takes 30 seconds to hand out and can prompt conversations that save lives.
The Bigger Picture: Oral-Systemic Health
The CDA's 2026 campaign also reinforces the well-established link between oral health and overall systemic health. Poor oral health has been associated with cardiovascular disease, diabetes complications, respiratory infections, and adverse pregnancy outcomes. By framing oral cancer screening within the broader context of whole-body health, dental professionals can help patients understand that their dental visit is about far more than cavities and cleanings.
For practices serving diverse communities across the GTA — including new Canadians who may not have had access to regular dental care — NOHM is an opportunity to build relationships and establish trust.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is oral cancer screening covered by OHIP or provincial dental programs in Ontario?
Visual and tactile oral cancer screening performed as part of a comprehensive dental examination is included in standard dental fees and is covered by most dental insurance plans. It is not separately billed under OHIP. The Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) covers comprehensive oral examinations that include cancer screening components.
Q: At what age should dental patients start receiving oral cancer screenings?
The CDA recommends that oral cancer screening be part of every comprehensive dental examination for adult patients, regardless of age. Given the rising incidence of HPV-related oropharyngeal cancer in younger demographics, dental professionals should not limit screening to patients over 50.
Q: Can dentists in Ontario recommend the HPV vaccine to patients?
Dentists can and should discuss HPV vaccination as a preventive measure with patients and parents. While dentists do not administer vaccines in Ontario, they can refer patients to their physician or pharmacist. The HPV vaccine is publicly funded for Grade 7 students in Ontario and is available for purchase for adults.
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