1 In 5 Ontarians Missing Dental Appointments Due To Cost
A new survey has shown that 1 in 5 Ontarians are avoiding the dentist because they cannot afford to pay for treatment.
The survey, which was conducted by Public Health Ontario, revealed that 20 per cent of those in Ontario do not visit the dentist as a result of cost, with thousands consequently suffering from poor oral health.
The survey also revealed an alarming trend, with many people resorting to visiting the Emergency Department for treatment as a result of infection or abscess development. More than 26,000 people visit the ER for dental treatment every year, but doctors are not qualified to deal with dental problems and can only prescribe painkillers or antibiotics, which provide short-term relief. The trend is also placing more pressure on emergency units.
Many of the problems faced by people seeking urgent dental care in hospital can be prevented with proper oral hygiene.
In light of the figures, the Guelph Community Health Centre and the Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health Unit are working with Ontario Health Alliance to raise awareness for state funded dental programmes in the region.
In addition to increasing burden on urgent care units, dental health problems also cost the economy millions of dollars every year. According to figures released following the Canadian Health Measures Survey 2010, 4.5 million working days were lost as a result of dental issues.
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