Funding provided for seniors’ dental clinics

SIMCOE – Haldimand-Norfolk Health Unit will receive more than $600,000 in funding to expand its new senior’s dental care program.

The funding is part of $25 million the province is providing to expand access to the seniors dental care program by investing in infrastructure projects. Locally, $300,000 is allocated for a new dental and operatory suite including an X-ray machine, in Simcoe. Another $323,000 is allocated for a new dental suite in the Dunnville satellite office.

“This is following through on a commitment to expand senior’s dental care,” said Haldimand-Norfolk MPP Toby Barrett. “For too long under previous governments, other nearby areas had seniors’ dental care provided, but Haldimand-Norfolk did not.

The announcement was made today by Premier Doug Ford, Christine Elliott, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health, and Raymond Cho, Minister for Seniors and Accessibility.

“Our government made a promise to Ontario’s low-income seniors that we would provide them with free, routine dental care ― and we are keeping that promise,” said Premier Ford. “As part of the next phase of the program, we are enhancing our commitment, which includes more mobile dental clinics. We are bringing critical dental care right to the doorstep of our seniors and allowing for better treatment in underserviced areas.”

“Our government is investing in dental infrastructure projects across Ontario to ensure low-income seniors will have better and faster access to the services they need, no matter where they live,” said Minister Elliott. “The Ontario Seniors Dental Care Program is a key part of our plan to end hallway health care by providing seniors with access to quality dental care and keeping them out of hospitals.”

The Ontario Seniors Dental Care Program will reduce unnecessary trips to the hospital and help to eliminate hallway health care, prevent chronic disease and improve the quality of life and overall well-being for eligible seniors.

“Our government is committed to making sure our seniors stay safe and healthy,” said Minister Cho. “Expanding the Ontario Seniors Dental Care Program and offering mobile services will make it easier for those who have difficulty getting out of their home, or for those living in rural or remote parts of the province, to access the care they need.”

Eligible seniors can apply to the program online, or by picking up an application form at a local public health unit.

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For more information, contact MPP Toby Barrett at 519-428-0446 or toby.barrett@pc.ola.org