Introduction

Dr. Raj Khanuja is the heart behind National Dental Care Day (NDCD), a nationwide movement calling on dental professionals to dedicate one day a year to serve those facing financial or systemic barriers. His message is simple but profound:

“One chair. One day. One act of compassion.”

Multiply that across the country, and you create a national rhythm of dignity and care.

Honours and Recognition

A passionate advocate for healthcare equity, Dr. Khanuja has been recognized with some of Canada’s highest civilian honors, including:

• Ontario Medal for Good Citizenship
• Canada 150 Medallion
• The June Callwood Outstanding Volunteer Award
• Nine-time Canadian Business Excellence Award recipient

Origins of NDCD

In 2012, Dr. Khanuja launched his first Free Dentistry Day at his Brampton clinic. What began as a single act of service quickly grew into a community movement — treating hundreds of patients with no questions asked. Inspired by this local success and stories like Flo’s — a wheelchair user who simply wanted to smile at her daughter’s wedding — Dr. Khanuja envisioned something bigger. That vision became NDCD, launching October 10, 2025.

Philosophy

At the core of NDCD is Dr. Khanuja’s deeply held belief:

“People don’t skip care because they don’t value it — they sacrifice it for those they love.”

With NDCD, he invites dentists across Canada to meet people where they are — and lift them, one smile at a time.

Family Legacy

Beyond dentistry, Dr. Khanuja’s commitment to service runs through his family. His son Rajvir created the 100km Walk Club to raise funds for hospitals, while his daughter Rajsi walks quietly beside, embodying support and resilience. Service, in the Khanuja household, is a shared rhythm.

Closing Message

To every dentist wondering how to do more, Dr. Khanuja offers this:

“It doesn’t take perfection. Just one chair. One day. One act of kindness.

Together, we can transform not just smiles — but our profession.”