The number of low income Torontonians who have received emergency dental treatment through Toronto Public Health clinics has increased by nearly 60 per cent through the first six months of 2016, according to numbers released Monday.
In January, the city increased the number of TPH clinics offering free emergency dental care to social assistance recipients from five to 23 and the numbers show that the move has paid dividends.
Between January 1 and June 30 of this year a total of 768 Ontario Works recipients accessed emergency dental treatment at TPH clinics compared to 468 during the same period in 2015.
“By making this investment we are providing dental care to the people who need it most,” Mayor Tory said in a press release announcing the numbers. “This program will dramatically increase the quality of life for seniors and adults by reducing dental diseases and promoting healthy dental care.”
The move to expand the number of TPH clinics offering emergency dental service to low income residents was part of the city’s poverty reduction strategy.
Approved by city council in November, 2015, the city’s poverty reduction strategy is a 20-year plan to reduce inequality in the city.
