That the correspondence from Windsor-Essex County Health Unit regarding strengthening coordination of provincial and federal dental programs be received and supported; and
That a letter from the Town of Essex be sent to the Honourable Sylvia Jones, Minister of Health, Windsor-Essex County Health Unit, Andrew Dowie, MPP, Windsor-Essex, Trevor Jones, MPP, Chatham-Kent-Leamington, Lisa Gretzky, MPP, Windsor West, Anthony Leardi, MPP, Essex and Chris Lewis, M.P, Essex Riding.
Whereas, oral health is a critical component of overall health and well-being, and access to dental care remains a significant barrier for many low-income individuals and families in Windsor-Essex and across Ontario;
Whereas, the Government of Canada has launched the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) to expand access to dental services for uninsured Canadians with low and middle incomes; and
Whereas, the Province of Ontario administers several dental and social assistance programs, including Healthy Smiles Ontario (HSO), the Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP), and Ontario Works (OW), which also provide dental benefits to eligible populations;
Whereas, the current coordination of benefits between the CDCP and Ontario’s programs is evolving, and clear, consistent, and integrated processes are essential to avoid duplication, ensure continuity of care, and reduce confusion for clients and providers; and
Whereas, local public health units, including the Windsor-Essex County Health Unit, play a vital role in delivering oral health services and supporting vulnerable populations;
Now therefore be it resolved that the Board of Health for the Windsor-Essex County Health Unit urges all levels of government to continue to improve the coordination between CDCP and Ontario’s dental and social assistance programs to ensure seamless access to oral health treatment when needed;
Further That the Province of Ontario provide clear guidance and streamlined administrative processes to social service organizations, oral health providers, and other healthcare providers to support navigation of the available support programs and eliminates delays in accessing oral health care;
Further That the Province of Ontario provide a time-limited exemption which temporally waives the requirement to utilize CDCP as the primary payer for emergency dental treatment for those who are not currently enrolled in the program until such time that enrollment can occur; and
Further That, the Government of Canada and Province of Ontario provide additional support to social services to ensure those experiencing homelessness or who may have experienced challenges in filing tax returns are able to do so and in so doing become eligible for oral health services and a multitude of other social supports; and