The provincial government put its money where children's mouths are Tuesday, announcing changes to the Healthy Smiles Ontario program.
Barrie MPP Ann Hoggarth was at Johnson Street Public School to announce additional spending that will provide free preventive, routine, emergecy and essential dental care to children from low-income families.
Along with staff from the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Centre and the Simcoe County District School Board, Hoggarth talked to the children about brushing their teeth and read a book titled "Dr. Rabbit meets a Brushalotamus."
"We wanted to make it easier to access the programs," Hoggarth said.
With a priority on providing dental care to children up to 17, she said the government believes needs will be reduced in adulthood.
Last year in Simcoe-Muskoka, more than 2,200 children received dental treatment with financial support.
During the 2014/15, the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit screened more than 26,000 children at schools.
Healthy Smiles Ontario covers regular visits to the dentist for check-ups, fillings, cleanings, x-rays and emergency treatment.
More than 323,000 children and youth from low income families receive free dental care through the program each year. Changes announced this week wimean 70,000 more children will be eligi ble.
Hoggarth said the Liberal government has integrated six publicly funded dental programs into one to provide a simplified enrolment process and making it easier for eligible children to get the care they need.
Applicants can now sign up online at ontario.ca/healthysmiles.
"It has always ben a challenge for low income families to get the dental care they need, and often these families may not even be aware that there is financial help available," said Heather Murray, manager of oral health at the Simcoe Muskoka District health Unit.
"With six different programs integrated into one, it is much easier to direct families to getting care. "
The changes also mean that 70,000 more children from low-income families have become eligible for free dental services.
