New dental programme launches in Prescott, Ontario
A new dental programme has launched in Prescott, Ontario.
The Healthy Smiles programme was launched in Ontario last October and the scheme has now reached Prescott. The scheme is designed to help children under the age of 18 from poor backgrounds.
The programme is being delivered by 36 public health units across the province; eligible children will be treated at any of the participating public health units. The scheme was launched as a result of an increasing demand for reduced rate dental care; parents on a low income are finding it increasingly difficult to pay for family dental care and as a result, check-ups and appointments are being postponed or even cancelled.
The programme was officially launched last Tuesday in Prescott and dental care will now be delivered by participating local dentists and a clinic, which has been set up at the Prescott Health Unit. Local dentists will treat eligible patients and then claim the fee from the Healthy Smiles programme.
In order to qualify for the programme children must be 17 or under and parents must have a combined income of less than $20,000 per year. The programme will cover routine treatments, including cleaning treatments, dental check-ups, fillings and extractions and dental professionals will also offer educational sessions and preventative treatments to try and improve standards of oral health and reduce the risk of serious dental health problems. The dental clinic will be open two days a week and evening appointments will be available; if demand for services is greater, the clinic will change the opening hours to cater for this need.
Join this Discussion
