Lambton Public Health (LPH) is reporting significant growth in local use of the Ontario Seniors Dental Care Program (OSDCP).
In an interview with Sarnia News Today, Clinical and Family Services Manager Kevin Churchill said the program started in late 2019 and participation has more than tripled.
"We served about 162 clients in 2020 and this year-to-date in 2023 we've served 585 senior clients," said Churchill.
He said the program is 100 per cent funded by the province and LPH administers it.
"We do have an onsite dental clinic, but with this particular program all of the work for the senior clients is being done by local dentists in the community. So, we really couldn't do it without them, because we just don't have the space to accommodate that many seniors in our small inhouse dental clinic," Churchill said.
He said the application process is done online, but they recognize some of the eligible individuals may not be computer savvy, so LPH staff can help.
"Anybody who is over 65 with an annual income of $22,200 or less, or a couple with a combined annual income of $37,100 or less, with no other dental benefits, should qualify," he said. "If they call Lambton Public Health our dental staff can help them navigate through the process of applying."
Churchill said the program has quickly taken off as the baby boomer population enters its senior years.
"It is really a baby boomer effect. We were looking at that population cohort of people born in the 50s and 60s and we don't expect those numbers to go down. So, we're continuing to work with the dental providers and our funders, of course, to make sure that we're prepared for that surge," he said.
Churchill said they really appreciate the local dental and denture providers who see clients on government programs and do work at reduced costs.