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April 1, 2014 – New Eligibility Criteria for Healthy Smiles Ontario Take Effect Today

The Peterborough Public Health hopes more local children and youth will get the dental care they need thanks to expanded eligibility criteria for the Healthy Smiles Ontario program that take effect today.

“We know that there are many people locally who can’t afford dental services, and this is a real problem,” said Sarah Tanner, Oral Health Supervisor at Public Health.  “The expansion of Healthy Smiles Ontario for children and youth is a start to address this issue.  Many more people require financial assistance and we will continue to work to increase access to oral health care for all.  Ms. Tanner noted that having dental insurance is an important factor that can influence whether or not an individual visits a dentist.  In 2009/10, only 64.8% of Peterborough residents and 63.6% of Ontarians reported having insurance for dental expenses.

In December 2013, Health Minister Deb Matthews announced that the Ontario Government would increase access to oral health services by expanding eligibility for the Healthy Smiles Ontario (HSO) program, starting April 1, 2014. Healthy Smiles Ontario is delivered through public health clinics and private dental offices to eligible low-income children and youth aged 17 and under in need of preventive and treatment dental services including check-ups, cleanings, fillings and X-rays. In 2013, there were 527 children and youth signed up to the program across Peterborough City and the County.  “We hope that this number of participants will grow as we continue to promote Healthy Smiles Ontario to eligible children and youth,” said Ms. Tanner.

Today’s change will expand eligibility for free dental care for eligible children and youth in low-income families.  To qualify for the program, families now need to have an Adjusted Family Net Income (AFNI) of $21,513 or less for one child, increasing by approximately $1,500 for each additional child. Previously there was no adjustment for additional children in the same family.  The other eligibility criteria for children remain the same:

  • They must be 17 years old or younger;
  • They must be residents of Ontario;
  • They do not have access to any form of dental coverage (including other government-funded programs).

 

The changes in eligibility will only impact new enrolment.  Existing clients will not have to be re-enrolled.

Families are encouraged to contact Public Health if they want to know more or find out if they are eligible via email at dental@peterboroughpublichealth.ca or by phone at 705-743-1003, ext. 265.

Based on the data in the Oral Health in Peterborough Report published in December 2013, Public Health has identified the following priority populations in need of oral health programs and services:

  • low-income families and individuals;
  • those without dental insurance;
  • older adults, young children and young adults.

Oral diseases are mostly preventable.  However, once such conditions develop, they impose significant direct and indirect costs on individuals as well as the society.  For instance, it has been estimated that in 2009 approximately 40 million hours of school and work were lost due to dental conditions in Canada.

 

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For further information, please contact:
Sarah Tanner
Oral Health Supervisor
(705) 743-1000, ext. 207

 

April 1, 2014  – Public Health Reminds Residents to Ensure They’re Protected as More Measles Cases Reported in Ontario

As reports of more measles cases are confirmed in Ontario, Peterborough Public Health is reminding local residents to ensure their vaccinations are up to date to keep our community protected.

“While we have not had a confirmed measles case in Peterborough since 2008, we are working closely with local healthcare providers to monitor the situation,” said Dr. Rosana Salvaterra, Medical Officer of Health.  “The good news is we have a strong local vaccination rate of 94%, however the media attention generated by the cases in Ottawa and Toronto serves as great reminder to ensure everyone’s shots are up to date.”

To be considered appropriately vaccinated for measles, two doses of the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine at least one month apart are recommended. Without full protection, those who travel abroad may be susceptible to measles in countries where the immunization rates are low.

The Public Health sent a measles update to clinicians yesterday that noted between January and March 26, 2014, Ontario has had 10 cases of measles, five of whom were reported in returning travellers from destinations including Europe and Southeast Asia. A further five cases have acquired infection in Ontario and are epidemiologically linked to recent travel-acquired measles cases.  Local clinicians were reminded to be vigilant in watching for measles in travellers returning from abroad.

Measles is a very contagious disease and can be very serious, commonly causing diarrhea and pneumonia, and in rarer cases encephalitis and death. It spreads easily through close contact with an infected person.

Residents who are unsure about their vaccination status can check with their healthcare provider, or the health unit in the area where they grew up.

For further information, please visit the Public Health Agency of Canada website at http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/phn-asp/2013/measles-0717-eng.php .

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For further information, please contact:

Brittany Cadence, Communications Supervisor
(705) 743-1000, ext. 391

April 1, 2014 – Public Health Reminds Residents to Ensure They’re Protected as More Measles Cases Reported in Ontario

As reports of more measles cases are confirmed in Ontario, Peterborough Public Health is reminding local residents to ensure their vaccinations are up to date to keep our community protected.

“While we have not had a confirmed measles case in Peterborough since 2008, we are working closely with local healthcare providers to monitor the situation,” said Dr. Rosana Salvaterra, Medical Officer of Health.  “The good news is we have a strong local vaccination rate of 94%, however the media attention generated by the cases in Ottawa and Toronto serves as great reminder to ensure everyone’s shots are up to date.”

To be considered appropriately vaccinated for measles, two doses of the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine at least one month apart are recommended. Without full protection, those who travel abroad may be susceptible to measles in countries where the immunization rates are low.

The Public Health sent a measles update to clinicians yesterday that noted between January and March 26, 2014, Ontario has had 10 cases of measles, five of whom were reported in returning travellers from destinations including Europe and Southeast Asia. A further five cases have acquired infection in Ontario and are epidemiologically linked to recent travel-acquired measles cases.  Local clinicians were reminded to be vigilant in watching for measles in travellers returning from abroad.

Measles is a very contagious disease and can be very serious, commonly causing diarrhea and pneumonia, and in rarer cases encephalitis and death. It spreads easily through close contact with an infected person.

Residents who are unsure about their vaccination status can check with their healthcare provider, or the health unit in the area where they grew up.

For further information, please visit the Public Health Agency of Canada website at http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/phn-asp/2013/measles-0717-eng.php .

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For further information, please contact:

Brittany Cadence, Communications Supervisor

(705) 743-1000, ext. 391