A local oral health coalition is encouraging the Ontario government to put its money where its mouth is in a bid to improve the oral health of low-income seniors.
The Northumberland Oral Health Coalition is encouraging Ontario Premier Doug Ford’s Progressive Conservative government to fulfill its election promise to implement a $98-million-a-year program to provide dental services to low-income seniors in the province. There is a need for such a program, says an oral health coalition spokesperson, given the aging population and research that shows a clear link between a person’s oral health and overall health.
“We know many older adults and seniors, including those who live in long-term care homes, are on fixed income and can’t afford dental care or the cost of dentures,” says Mary Ito, a coalition member and owner of the Northumberland Dental Hygiene Clinic in Cobourg. “Many seniors also lose their dental benefits upon retirement from work and may not be able to afford dental care.”
According to a 2014 study by the College of Dental Hygienists of Ontario, an estimated two to three million people in Ontario do not visit a dentist due to cost. In addition, a recent survey of CARP (Canadian Association of Retired Persons) members found only 37 per cent of retirees continue to receive dental coverage post-retirement.
“That means adults and seniors who need dental care, but cannot afford to see a dentist, are falling through the cracks,” Ito says. “These individuals need to be given the same access to dental treatment as the government currently provides children and youth.”
While Ontario currently provides publicly-funded dental coverage to eligible children and youth 17 years of age and younger, as well as to individuals on disability support and social service recipients in some communities, there are limited options for adults and seniors. Within the Health Unit region (including Northumberland County), there are some services that provide no-cost/lower-cost dental care options for adults and seniors, Ito adds. However, funding for these services is not guaranteed, can run out, and may only be available to eligible people who meet certain criteria.
In many cases, adults and seniors who suffer from extreme dental pain have no choice but to seek treatment at a hospital emergency room (ER). Usually, all the ER staff can do is prescribe painkillers and antibiotics, which can help with pain, but doesn’t address the root cause of the problem. “Investing in dental care through a publicly-funded dental program for seniors is important, since it would save on unnecessary, costly hospital visits and reduce overall health care costs in the long run,” Ito says.
Last fall, Northumberland Oral Health Coalition members raised this issue in a meeting with David Piccini, MPP for Northumberland-Peterborough South Riding. Following the meeting with the local Conservative MPP, coalition members are hopeful that action will be coming soon. In the meantime, coalition members are also encouraging local seniors who face difficulties paying for dental care to voice their concerns and seek action by contacting MPP Piccini’s office.
The Northumberland Oral Health Coalition is made up of representatives from local health agencies, along with oral health professionals and concerned members of the public. The coalition works to improve access to dental care for all Northumberland residents.
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
