Health and Community Services
April 1, 2015
Supporting the Health of Families and Communities
Provincial Government Recognizes National Oral Health Month
Regular dental care is the foundation for good dental health and influences the overall well-being of individuals in Newfoundland and Labrador. The Provincial Government is recognizing April as National Oral Health Month to raise awareness of the importance of this practice for all residents.
"Oral health problems can reduce a person's quality of life by affecting their physical, mental and social well-being. The Provincial Government recognizes the importance of good oral health to the overall wellness of the individual and has taken steps to allow access to dental services for residents by working with organizations such as the Newfoundland and Labrador Dental Association."
- The Honourable Steve Kent, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health and Community Services
A number of programs are in place to assist residents and families in reaching good dental health. The Children's Dental Program provides universal coverage to children up to 12 years old for basic services, including regular six-month examinations, annual cleanings, x-rays and fluorides. Fillings and extractions are also covered under the program. Youth programs allow coverage for low-income youth aged 13-17, covering fillings and extractions as well as examinations and x-rays.
In consultation with the Newfoundland and Labrador Dental Association, the Provincial Government has also developed the Adult Dental Program to provide access to care for the people of Newfoundland and Labrador. The program gives coverage to low-income residents under the Newfoundland and Labrador Prescription Drug Program.
"Over the past 10 years the Newfoundland and Labrador Dental Association and the Provincial Government have worked closely to build the best oral health programs possible. In particular, the Children's Dental Program is recognized as one of the best programs in Canada and is used as a template across the country."
- Dr. Jacqueline Tucker, President of the Newfoundland and Labrador Dental Association
As part of a healthy lifestyle and to help reduce the risk of oral disease, follow the Canadian Dental Association's steps to good oral health at https://www.cda-adc.ca/en/index.asp 
Steps for good dental health include daily flossing and brushing with fluoride toothpaste, a well-balanced diet and avoidance of food and beverages that contain sugar.
The Provincial Government provides access to dental services for over 188,000 children, youth and adults in the province through an annual investment of $15.8 million.
QUICK FACTS
- The Provincial Government is recognizing the month of April as National Oral Health Month to raise awareness of the importance of good oral health.
- The Provincial Government has increased access to dental services for all residents by working with organizations such as the Newfoundland and Labrador Dental Association.
- Families are encouraged to floss and brush with fluoride toothpaste daily and avoid food and beverages that contain sugar.
- The Canadian Dental Association's steps to good oral health can be found at https://www.cda-adc.ca/en/index.asp .
- The Provincial Government provides access to dental services for over 188,000 children, youth and adults in the province through an annual investment of $15.8 million.
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Media contacts:
|
John Tompkins
Director of Communications Department of Health and Community Services 709-729-1377, 728-7762 jtompkins@gov.nl.ca |
Anthony W. Patey
Executive Director Newfoundland and Labrador Dental Association 709-579-2362 anthony.patey.nlda@nfld.net |
2015 04 01 3:10 p.m.