No images? Click here Issue 8 - Winter 2020Introducing Tele-dentalNiagara Region Public Health’s dental program is excited to introduce tele-dental services! Tele-dental services officially launch in 2021. Our new tele-dental services offer a live chat option that allows clients to communicate virtually with our dental team. Rather than calling, clients will now be able to enter a secure chatroom and talk online with a registered dental hygienist or certified dental assistant. Additionally, tele-dental services will also allow virtual assessments and screenings for Essential and Emergency Services Stream referrals for the Healthy Smiles Ontario program. A registered dental hygienist will be able to video call with the client and conduct assessments virtually, to determine urgent dental issues. Healthy Smiles Ontario Service ExtensionTo help support the impact of COVID-19 on Healthy Smiles Ontario clients, the Ministry has offered program extensions. Clients who were enrolled in the low income and social assistance streams for the last benefit year (Aug. 1, 2019 - July 31, 2020) will automatically be enrolled for the current benefit year (Aug. 1, 2020 - July 31, 2021). Those eligible for automatic renewal will be sent a new card, regardless of any income changes. Clients enrolled under Essential and Emergency Services Stream whose card expired between March 19 - July 31, 2020 and who had appointments booked but unfortunately were not able to attend due to COVID-19 will be able to re-book these appointments. Re-booking of appointments will be available until completion of the required dental services. Clients whose card expired but did not have an appointment booked during March 19 and July 31, 2020 WILL NOT be offered extended services. In this event, please refer the client to our Dental Health Line for assistance. Lastly, clients who aged out of the program (turned 18) between March 19 and July 31, 2020 and who had appointments booked but unfortunately were not able to attend due to COVID-19 will also be extended services. These clients will be able to re-book appointments until completion of the required treatment. For more information on Healthy Smiles Ontario and program extensions, please call our Dental Health Line at 905-688-8248 or 1-888-505-6074 ext. 7399. Ontario Seniors Dental Care Program Services ResumingCOVID-19 has unfortunately hindered many of the services and expansion of the Ontario Seniors Dental Care Program within Niagara. Niagara Region's dental program is striving to resume all services and are hopeful that the program will be fully operating by Spring 2021. Within Niagara, many of the program's clinics are resuming dental services. To find a local clinic, please visit our Ontario Seniors Dental Care Program website. |