FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
NOVEMBER 24, 2009

Dental Health Fair to Raise Community Awareness on Oral Health Care for Seniors

Vancouver, BC – The 2nd Oral Health Fair for Seniors will be held on Sunday November 29, 2009 from 9.00 am to 1.00 pm at S.U.C.C.E.S.S. Simon K.Y. Lee Seniors Care Home (555 Carrall Street, Vancouver). Educational sessions on oral health, common oral diseases and prevention will be provided by Dr. Nelson Hui and Dr. Samson Ng. Free examination and assessment will be provided by B.C. Oral Cancer Prevention Program, Chinese Canadian Dental Society of B.C. and volunteer dentists with the support of UBC Geriatric Dentistry Program. B.C. Dental Hygienists’ Association will set up booth to provide information and answer questions on dental care.

“Traditionally, dental/oral health has been a low priority, low profile issue in the overall scheme of health care in our province and country,” said Mr. Tung Chan, CEO of S.U.C.C.E.S.S., “Through this event, we hope to increase the awareness of oral health amongst the seniors and general public,” Chan continues.

According to Report on Seniors Oral Health, British Columbia Dental Association (BCDA) 2008 and related statistics, dental/oral health has never be included as part of the Medical Services Plan. In B.C., the only government coverage for basic dentistry is through the Ministry of Housing and Social Development. It is only for those seniors who were Ministry clients prior to turning 65 and with a disability. Nearly one in ten (8%) British Columbians over 65 in 2004 were living below the poverty line, and many more had restricted incomes. Consequently, due to financial constraints and lack of dental coverage, many seniors will only select to see a dentist when acute problem arises.

“The relatively high cost of dental services in Canada is a major barrier and concern for elderly Chinese Canadians to receive good quality dental care,” said Dr. Nelson Hui, ELDERS Group, Faculty of Dentistry, UBC. “Some have to return to Hong Kong, China or their countries of origin from Southeast Asia for ongoing dental treatment because they cannot afford getting dental treatment in Canada. However, for those frail seniors who are in Long Term Care facilities, they do not have this option. ”

“In 2006, a LTC (Long Term Care) Dental Coverage Pilot Project was carried out by the UBC Geriatric Dentistry Program, BCDA and one LTC facility,” said Dr. Chris Wyatt, Director of UBC Geriatric Dentistry Program. “It was found that the actual cost of basic dental care is at $566.63 for each resident. There are many other factors impacting treatment such as language barrier and lack of on site treatment facilities.”

“Recognizing the importance of oral health, we approached UBC Geriatric Dentistry Program in 2004 to develop a mouth care educational program,” said Alice Choi, Executive Director, Health Services, S.U.C.C.E.S.S. Multi-Level Care Society. “With the financial support from Tzu-Chi Foundation, seniors at our care home have been receiving free assessment annually. However, the funding is on a year-to-year basis. If funding is discontinued, there will be no other way that our
Care Home can sustain the dental services provided. With the support of the community, a fully equipped dental clinic was established in the Care Home. However, because of financial difficulties, a lot of resident did not receive the necessary treatment”

The Oral Health Fair for seniors is available to seniors over 60. Admission is free. For registration and inquiry, please call: 604-608-8835  

Established in 1995, S.U.C.C.E.S.S. Multi-Level Care Society was incorporated with the purpose of establishing linguistically and culturally appropriate care for the seniors. It has now developed into a provider of quality residential care and health services.  The Society adopts the “Eden Alternative” as its approach to care and services. It is committed to create an enlivening environment and to eliminate the three plagues which threaten the well-being of elders in most care homes – loneliness, helplessness, and boredom. For more details, please visit: http://www.success.bc.ca/

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