A senior's perspective on how governments can help improve the oral and overall health of this vulnerable population

Healthy smiles should last a lifetime. But many seniors and long-term care residents face physical and financial barriers that prevent them from accessing needed oral healthcare.

For seniors, oral health care is vital to maintaining overall health. When dental issues go untreated, they can lead to many other serious health problems. Unfortunately, approximately half of the senior population lacks dental coverage or access to care. As they age, seniors may lose the ability to effectively care for their oral health. That’s why the Canadian Dental Hygienists Association (CDHA) is championing oral health care for seniors…urging the government to fund a national oral health care plan for seniors ……and to support the hiring of dental hygienists on long-term care home staff teams…along with implementing national standards that address oral health services, staffing, and education. With these recommendations in place, vulnerable seniors will finally get the oral health care they deserve, to continue to lead healthy, happy lives. www.cdha.ca/oralhealthforseniors