Southeast Public Health is reminding older adults that maintaining oral health is vital for overall wellbeing — and that free dental programs are available for eligible seniors.
Dr. Ethan Toumishey, Deputy Medical Officer of Health, said good oral health helps seniors eat, speak, and live comfortably.
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Manager of Oral Health Programs, Kelly Palmateer, explained that the Ontario Seniors Dental Care Program (OSDCP) provides free routine dental services for low-income seniors aged 65 and older.
[W:\Markets\ON East\Current Audio\110525 Palmateer Dental 01.mp3]
For individuals, that maximum incomes is $25,000 or less for a single senior, or a combined income of $41,500 for couples.
But, Palmateer says being enrolled in both doesn’t mean both can be applied to a single dental visit.
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For help applying or choosing between programs, residents can call their local oral health team or visit southeastph.ca for regional contact information.
Online details are also available at ontario.ca/page/dental-care-seniors
and canada.ca/dental-care-plan.
Listen to the full interview here.