The Ontario Dental Association (ODA) reports it has made a formal request to the provincial government to invest $50 million to its dental program for children in support of Healthy Smiles Ontario (HSO), which provides care to kids under the age of 17 from low-income families.
While 254,000 kids are currently treated by dentists under the program, the ODA says something must be done to ensure that the over 530,000 eligible children get the regular care they need. The agency also stated its view that Ontario’s other three major dental programs for low-income adults, people with disabilities, and those with complex medical conditions are also not funded properly.
“Dentists have been subsidizing public dental programs by as much as $150 million a year,” said ODA President Dr. Kim Hansen, who recently met with Premier Ford to discuss the issue. “This is a serious problem that can’t be ignored any longer. Ontario’s dentists have the knowledge, ideas, and passion to work with the government to find a solution.”
About the Ontario Dental Association
The ODA has been the voluntary professional association for dentists in Ontario since 1867. Today, we represent more than 10,000 dentists across the province. The ODA is Ontario’s primary source of information on oral health and the dental profession. We advocate for accessible and sustainable optimal oral health for all Ontarians by working with health-care professionals, governments, the private sector and the public.
For helpful dental care tips, visit youroralhealth.ca.
