The Dental/Oral Health Unit promotes policies and community-based programs aimed at optimizing dental and oral health for all Manitobans and enhancing adoption of positive dental behaviour and practices.

The community water fluoridation program is funded by Manitoba Health as part of the Public Health Oral Health initiative.  There are currently 63 communities fluoridating their water systems, representing 95% of the population on a public water supply (approximately 770,000 Manitobans).

The Unit has a mandate to:

Improve, maintain and protect the oral health of Manitobans.

Provide advice and input on current and emerging oral health issues to the Minister of Health.

Develop an evolving role to best serve the public, stakeholders and oral health care providers.

Develop a Provincial Oral Health Strategy.

The Unit works closely with all private dental associations, levels of government, community health groups and educators, as well as other health care providers.

Dental Health Links:

• Canadian Dental Association

• American Dental Association

• Prevent Early Childhood Tooth Decay - Action Plan Workbook and Toolkit