Re: Remedy from an ER doctor: Expand public dental programs, Feb. 21

Remedy from an ER doctor: Expand public dental programs, Feb. 21

Canadians pride ourselves on a universal health-care system that is humane and equitable relative to our neighbours to the south. And yet, somehow when we decided what medicare would deem “medically necessary,” the mouth got left out of the body. Even as a generalist, I know precious little to help my patients with dental issues, along with other doctors. And too few of our patients have coverage to access the care they need.

Every family doctor in Canada is aware of this inexplicable gap in the system. Working primarily with those in low-income brackets, I regularly see the impact of patients going decades without dental care. This includes not only living with untreated dental pain and potential complications, but also the mental health and social impacts of living with poor teeth. After all, it’s pretty difficult to get a job if you are afraid to smile.

At the founding of medicare, it may have made sense to start with coverage for emergency surgeries, hospitalizations, diagnostic tests and doctor’s visits, but now it is time for us to look further. Ontario needs to think beyond the coverage it provides for children and those on social assistance. It’s time to put the mouth back in the body.

Dr. Ritika Goel, Toronto