WDGPH: April is Oral Health Month

GUELPH – April is oral health month and Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health (WDGPH) has several programs to ensure residents of the region have access to care.

“Ensuring children and seniors have access to quality oral care is an important part of the overall health of our region,” said medical officer of health Dr. Nicola Mercer.

“Access to oral care contributes to increased self esteem, as well as good overall health. I’m encouraging all residents of the region to know their oral health options.”

WDGPH has dental programs for qualifying seniors and children/youth to support good oral health.

For children and youth

Public health offers free dental care through the Healthy Smiles Ontario (HSO) program to children and youth who cannot afford it.

Healthy Smiles Ontario is a government-funded dental program that provides free preventive, routine, and emergency dental services to eligible children and youth 17 and younger from families with limited income.

For seniors

The Ontario Seniors Dental Care Program is a publicly-funded program that provides access to oral health care services for low-income seniors, for both preventive (cleanings) and restorative (fillings, extractions) services.

The program may help reduce unnecessary trips to the hospital, prevent certain chronic diseases, and increase quality of life.

For more information visit wdgpublichealth.ca/smile.