Increase in low income residents using emergency dental care in Toronto: Tory

The number of low income residents who have used the city’s public dental clinics has increased by 60 per cent since the initiative began earlier this year.

Back in January, the city expanded its dental services for Ontario Works recipients by increasing the number of Toronto Public Health clinics from five to a total of 23.

As a result, the city has seen an increase in the number of low income seniors and adults receiving dental treatments.

Throughout Jan. 1 and June 30, a total of 768 Ontario Works clients accessed emergency dental services at clinics compared to 468 during the same timeframe in 2015.

Mayor John Tory said the continued collaboration between Toronto Public Health and Toronto Employment and Social Services has helped provide “greater equitable access for people” to dental care in the city.

"By making this investment we are providing dental care to the people who need it most. This program will dramatically increase the quality of life for seniors and adults by reducing dental diseases and promoting healthy dental care,” Tory said in a news release issued Monday. “Initiatives like these showcase how innovative partnerships can improve the lives of vulnerable residents in our city. This is one of the many proactive steps we are taking to move Toronto's Poverty Reduction Strategy forward."

Currently, only Ontario Works clients who are 18 years and under, enrolled in the Toronto Public Health’s perinatal or parenting program, or 65 years and older are eligible for the services.

Mayor Tory and Dep. Mayor Pam McConnell said they hope the initiative only continues to expand.

“We hope through this expansion that we will move into preventative care as well and not just emergency care,” McConnell said at a news conference Monday. “The preventative piece that is currently available to children, we want to be able to expand to our adults as well.”

The city’s poverty reduction strategy, known as TO Prosperity, was introduced back in Nov. 2015. The 20-year plan aims to reduce inequality in the city by addressing social services, housing, employment options and health.