Today was a big day in Strathroy, as the Middlesex-London Health Unit opened its new dental services office in the Shops on Sydenham mall. This now significantly increases the agency’s capacity to deliver routine dental services to low-income seniors and children under the age of 17 who come from low-income families. The new clinic will provide services only to patients who qualify through the Province’s Ontario Seniors Dental Care Program and the Healthy Smiles Ontario Program. Mayor Colin Grantham says he’s very happy this has finally come to be.
Medical Officer of Health with the Health Unit Dr. Alex Summers says the anticipation of today was immense.
Doctor Summers says with the opening of this new clinic, they will be able to address that backlog and ensure that people who are in need are able to access the services they require more quickly.
The new dental services office was made possible through a $1.05 million capital-funding grant from the Ontario Ministry of Health. Construction of the new space was completed by CCS Contractors, which won the contract after a competitive bid process. Doctor Summers says Strathroy was picked as the location on a pair of fronts.
With its four operatories, the new clinic will be able to welcome up to 20 patients a day once it is fully staffed. Services will be provided free of charge to qualifying low-income seniors over the age of 65 and to children under the age of 17 who come from qualifying low-income families. Free services provided through the Ontario Seniors Dental Care Program include
check-ups and cleanings, x-rays, fixing cavities, oral surgery, endodontic services and treating gum conditions and diseases.
Seniors who would like to learn more about the Ontario Seniors Dental Care Program, or how to apply for the program can visit Dental care for low-income seniors | ontario.ca
They may also call the Health Unit at 519-663-5317. Families who would like to learn more about the Health Smiles Ontario Program, or would like to apply can visit:
Services covered by Healthy Smiles Ontario | ontario.ca
written by: C. Soares