Dental clinics offering first-line preventive and curative care to people with low incomes or living in remote regions will be set up in Quebec.
These are five pilot projects that will be set up in Sainte-Anne-des-Monts, in the Gaspé, in Gatineau, in Asbestos, in the Eastern Townships, as well as in two clinics on the island of Montreal, announced Monday the Minister of Health and Social Services, Christian Dubé.
Quebec will inject $ 3 million for the first year. The clinics could provide services to about 22,000 people.
“Unfortunately, with the system we know, there are a lot of people who go without oral care and shouldn’t. And it’s up to us as a government to find a solution for that, ”said Mr. Dubé at a press conference in Gaspé.
These pilot projects represent a first phase in order to reduce inequalities in dental health. A second phase is possible depending on the results observed. This could allow about 600,000 people to benefit from dental services, or around 7% of the population of Quebec, we explained in a press release.
“A possible expansion of the range of services offered as well as the eligible clienteles could also be envisaged,” it continues.