Dental insurance key factor in accessing oral health care, WECHU survey shows
Adults without dental insurance are twice as likely to experience a dental concern as their insured counterparts, according to a new study from the Windsor-Essex County Health Unit.
Almost 1,600 residents completed the WECHU's dental health survey. Results show insurance plays a huge role in access to dental care.
"The health and well-being of adults in our community is being affected because they aren't able to access the dental service they need to stay healthy," said Dr. Wajid Ahmed, acting medical officer of health for the WECHU.
"Good dental health is critical to good overall health."
A 2016 needs assessment by the WECHU identified the demand for oral health resources.
Nearly 1 in 4 Windsor-Essex residents report having no dental insurance coverage, according to the WECHU's oral health report for 2018. More than 900 emergency room visits each year in Windsor-Essex are for oral health problems.
Only one per cent of dental services are publicly funded in Ontario.
Dental care can be paid for out of pocket, through Ontario Works or Healthy Smiles Ontario programs, private insurance or employer insurance benefits.
