www.oakvillebeaver.com The Oakville Beaver, Wednesday July 16, 2008 - 11 Dental assistance program taking bite out of regional budget Escalating costs may force Region to limit services By Stephanie Hounsell SPECIAL TO THE BEAVER Once Upon A Child: We buy and sell new and gently used children's clothing, accessories, toys, furniture and equipment. And we pay you immediately for all items accepted. Councillors are concerned too many people are taking advantage of Halton Region's dental financial assistance program, resulting in a shortage of funds. "I'm concerned with the costs escalating too much," said Milton Councillor Colin Best at last week's regional health and social services committee meeting.s He was responding to a staff report that states 67 per cent of this year's budget for the Dental Care Counts (DCC) program was used up in the first five months of 2008 alone. Last year, only 63 per cent of the budget was spent throughout the entire year. In response to the unexpected demand for the program, staff has not approved any new denture services since June 1, instead waiting to receive direction from council. DCC is in place to ensure older adults and adults with special needs have access to oral care, the report states. The majority of the funds so far this year -- and where the unexpected increase has occurred -- have gone toward new dentures (60 per cent). The approved budget for this year -- the same as last year -- is $130,000. In the first five months of this year, $87,000 was already incurred, with $94,000 approved for clients, but not yet incurred, meaning more than the entire year's budget has already been spent. In response to the unexpected number of people taking advantage of DCC, committee members endorsed a staff recommendation to not approve any new dentures and to limit denture care to relines and repairs from Aug. 1 to Dec. 31. Other services would continue. The total cost of this option by the end of 2008 would be $265,000, as opposed to the $406,000 it would cost to remain on the same path as the first five months of the year. The DCC program started in 2003, and up until 2005 was actually underutilized, the staff report states. In 2006, the criteria were broadened and use of the program soared, the staff report states. Medical Officer of Health Dr. Bob Nosal told the committee word simply got out about the program. Responding to a staff comment that some program users return several times for denture servicing, Best said preventative maintenance should be examined so this doesn't happen. "This is going through the roof," he said. The item is scheduled to go before regional council today. CUSTOMER APPRECIATION DAY! Oakville Thurs., July 17, 2008 OPEN 9 AM - 9:30 PM 10% OFF NEW ITEMS AND 30% OFF GENTLY USED EQUIPMENT ALL DAY! 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