WE BELIEVE…
The Oral Health Action Committee (OHAC) believes that everyone should have access to affordable health care.
WHAT WE KNOW…
- In 2009, 35% of dental services were paid out of pocket, resulting in inequitable access to oral health care, as well as oral health outcomes (A Report by Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health, 2012).
- Among Ontarians who did not visit a dentist in the past three years, one in five cited cost as a barrier (A Report by Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health, 2012).
- Lower income Ontarians are the most likely to report mouth conditions that cause them to avoid social interactions such as conversation, laughing or smiling (A Report by Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health, 2012).
WHAT WE’RE DOING ABOUT IT…
- Conducting a community oral health survey to determine issues related to low income and access to oral health care in Guelph and Wellington.
- Advocating for changes to dental benefits and coverage provided to social assistance recipients
- Addressing policy changes to Healthy Smiles Ontario and potential implications for the public and service providers
WHO WE ARE…
Chair: Randalin Ellery, PTF Coordinator
- Lakeside HOPE House
- Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health
- Guelph Community Health Centre
- Future Beginnings, Better Futures Guelph
- County of Wellington, Ontario Works
- Guelph & Wellington Task Force for Poverty Elimination
For more information, please contact: randalin “at” gwpoverty.ca