Dental hygienists highlight benefits of oral care on overall health
FORT ST. JOHN – On March 23, Council proclaimed April 5 – 11, 2026 as National Dental Hygiene Week, following a presentation from three local dental hygienists; Michelle Foster, Nikki Curlew, and Tammy Gulevich.
The trio spoke to Council about the importance of dental hygiene, emphasising the benefits of oral health on whole-body health and the need for better access to dental care for seniors in the community.
“Dental hygienists are often the first line of prevention,” Gulevich told Council. “We can often detect early signs of oral disease, systemic health concerns and changes that can impact quality of life.”
Research shows that there are strong links between oral health and other conditions like heart disease, diabetes and respiratory illness, Gulevich continued.
“What happens in the mouth, truly does affect the rest of the body.”
Dental hygienists in work in a variety of settings in Fort St. John, from private and independent practices; to schools and community programs; long-term care facilities; and mobile outreach programs. These different ways of providing oral health care enables hygienists to “meet people where they are, whether that’s in the dental chair, a care facility or in their own home.”
Prevention, through proper dental care, can not only reduce disease, but stress and healthcare costs as well.
“Oral health is essential at every stage of life, from the first tooth to our later years,” Curlew said. “[National Dental Hygiene Week] also reminds us that access to care, compassion and education matter just as much as clinical skill.
“We are proud to work collaboratively as dental hygiene practices in this community. Though we each operate our own business, we believe strongly in supporting one another in supporting Fort St. John together.”
The proclamation recognizes the important work of Canada’s 31,000+ dental hygienists and highlights the critical link between good oral health and overall health.
“As dental hygienists we are passionate about creating healthy smiles, but more importantly, healthy people,” Curlew concluded.