Oral Health as Public Health: Building a Stronger Winnipeg

When most people think of dentistry, they picture routine cleanings, a quick polish, or the occasional filling. But for Winnipeg-based dental hygienist Cristiane Mignot, the profession represents something far greater: a frontline contribution to public health, community well-being, and even social equity.

Mignot’s journey began in Brazil, where her childhood curiosity about science and health blossomed into a lifelong calling in dentistry. Years later, after immigrating to Canada, she rebuilt her professional life from the ground up, retraining, re-certifying, and ultimately establishing herself at one of Winnipeg’s leading periodontal and implant centres. Today, her work goes far beyond the dental chair — it connects oral health to the broader health of her community.

Dental hygienists are often the first line of defence against health issues that extend far beyond the mouth. As Mignot explains, a hygienist’s role is about more than cleaning teeth:

“Before cleaning, we check for cancer signs, evaluate the gums, and consider how oral health connects to conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, and arthritis.”

In Winnipeg, where many residents see their dental hygienist more often than their family physician, this responsibility takes on heightened importance. Early detection of disease not only saves lives but also reduces long-term healthcare costs, creating a civic benefit that ripples through the entire healthcare system. For Mignot, every appointment is both a clinical service and a preventive health intervention.

The impact of oral health reaches far deeper than aesthetics. Mignot has witnessed firsthand how improved oral health can change lives, physically and emotionally. She recalls one patient whose treatment for gum inflammation played an unexpected role in her journey to motherhood, “After just a couple of sessions, she was able to reduce her body’s inflammation, and soon after, she got pregnant. Of course, it wasn’t the only factor, but oral health played a part.”

Stories like this illustrate how oral health influences more than smiles — it can restore self-confidence, improve quality of life, and even contribute to family milestones. In many Winnipeg households, improved oral care translates into stronger emotional resilience and better social participation, benefits that extend well beyond the individual.

Despite its impact, dental hygiene is not without challenges. Long hours in fixed positions often place a physical toll on practitioners, leading to neck, back, or wrist injuries. The emotional weight of balancing patient care with clinical efficiency can also be taxing. Mignot believes these realities are often overlooked and stresses that civic appreciation of healthcare professionals must include ensuring safe working conditions and supportive workplace policies. By investing in the health and sustainability of those who provide care, she argues, the community is ultimately investing in itself. Supporting dental hygienists means preserving a key piece of Winnipeg’s preventive healthcare system.

As a Brazilian-born, multilingual professional, Mignot brings cultural awareness to every interaction. In a diverse city like Winnipeg, where many newcomers face language or cultural barriers to healthcare, her ability to communicate in multiple languages helps foster trust and understanding. “Every patient has different expectations, shaped by their culture and values,” she explains. “Being multilingual helps me explain, motivate, and connect.”

This kind of cultural sensitivity ensures that oral healthcare is inclusive and accessible, reflecting the needs of a city built on diversity. Representation within healthcare not only builds bridges but also strengthens the trust needed for effective treatment and prevention.

Dental hygiene in Winnipeg is about far more than cleanings. It intersects with public health, prevention, social confidence, economic savings, and inclusivity. By recognizing the civic importance of the profession, we see more clearly how everyday healthcare providers like Mignot are shaping a healthier, stronger Winnipeg.

Her story is a reminder that community health is not built only in hospitals or clinics but also in local practices, one patient at a time. Through her dedication, skill, and cultural connection, Cristiane Mignot demonstrates how oral health professionals are helping Winnipeg thrive — one smile at a time.