Putting seniors first; Ontario government investing 90 million into senior dental care

BY MICHAEL THOMAS

By the end of summer 2019, the government will be introducing a new dental program for low-income seniors who lack benefits. Individual seniors with an annual income of $19,300 or less, or senior couples whose income is less than $32,300 will be qualified to receive dental services in public health care units, community health care centres and aboriginal health access centres across the province.

This dental care program will be an annual investment of nearly 90 million when it is fully functional, and by this coming winter, the program will also include dental services through dental mobile busses and an increased number of dental suites in public health units.

Raymond Cho, Minister of Seniors and Accessibility and Christine Elliott, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health and Long-Term Care, were at Taibu Community Health Centre in Toronto where they made the announcement. “No senior in Ontario should go without quality dental care,” said Minister Elliott. “Our government continues to put patients at the centre of care by providing seniors with the support they need to access high-quality and affordable dental care. We are taking another step in creating a sustainable and connected public health care system that is built for the people and for the future.”

“The health and well-being of seniors across the province are one of our government’s top priorities,” said Minister Cho. “For many lower-income seniors, it is hard for them to access affordable dental care. This program is putting seniors first by providing the essential services they need and deserve.”

When left untreated dental health issues can lead to chronic illnesses, poor quality of life and as a result, put unnecessary strain on emergency care and the health care system in general. “This is another example of how our government is engaging and listening to patients, caregivers and frontline health care providers on ways to help end hallway health care,” said Minister Elliott. “Dental care for seniors will provide them with the right care and avoid preventable emergency department visits.”

According to a new Ipsos Reid poll conducted on behalf of CHX Technologies, boomers and seniors alike are looking for more preventive dental care. With almost half of Canadians over the age of 40 saying that they have had at least one new cavity, crown or replacement filling in the past two years, many are looking for alternate means to bypass these types of procedures. https://www.ipsos.com/en-ca/boomers-and-seniors-looking-preventive-dental-care

Here are some quick facts

• In 2015, there were almost 61,000 hospital emergency visits for dental problems, at a cost to Ontario’s health care system of approximately $31 million.
• Two-thirds of low-income seniors do not have access to dental insurance.
• Once the program is launched, seniors will be able to get an application form from the ministry’s website or public health unit. Applications will be assessed, and eligible clients will be enrolled in the program.