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A Dental Health Bill of Rights for th~e People of Ontario
Be it known that
ALL CITIZENS OF THE PROVINCE OF ONTARIO HAVE THE ABSOLUTE RIGHT TO THE BEST POSSIBLE HEALTH CARE-
INCLUDING DENTAL HEALTH
Good Dental Health is essen- tial to the well being of body and of mind.
The following principles of good dental health are sub- scribed to by all members of the dental profession in the Province of Ontario.
Citizens of Ontario are urged to support this Dental Health Bill of Rights.
Recognize These Rights:
ALL ONTARIANS HAVE THE RIGHT TO:
Fluoridation It is proven that the addition of fluoride to public water supplies is a safe and effective measure, reduc- ing dental decay in children by more than fifty per cent.
In this decade of the 1970's, almost one-third of our child- ren are denied this basic right. Be it resolved therefore that Ontario citizens have
the RIGHT to benefit from universal fluoridation of pub- lic water supplies throughout this Province.
Children's Denticare The dental profession of Ontario has provided the government with complete data to faci- litate a program of denticare
for children. Good dental health must begin early in life to provide maximum benefit. Dentists are ready and willing to provide care, and citizens should regard it as their right. Be it resolved therefore that Ontario citi- zens have the RIGHT to a program of government- assisted denticare for child- ren, with the added right
of expanding any such pro- gram in the future.
Dental Education Most forms of dental disease can be pre- vented by the simplest of steps. The dental profession of Ontario is prepared to assist in providing the neces- sary information to the citi- zens of the province. Be it resolved therefore that Ont- ario citizens have the RIGHT to a comprehensive, publicly- supported program of educa- tion about the nutritional and hygienic practices which can guarantee good denta I health.
Protection The present quality of dental care available to the citizens of Ontario is recogniz- ed throughout the world as outstanding. Ontario's dentists are pledged to accept full responsibility for the oral health of their patients and
for work done under their supervision by auxiliary den- tal personnel. Therefore be it resolved that Ontario citizens have the RIGHT to the pro- tection of high standards gov- erning the qualifications of dentists and all auxiliary per- sonnel.
Service The rapid expansion of population in Ontario places a growing strain on existing den- tal health resources. More den- tal personnel are needed, more training facilities are required, and more professional super- vision of auxiliary dental ser- vices are the right of our citi- zens. Therefore, be it resolved that Ontario citizens have the RIGHT to enjoy the services of increased numbers of quali- fied dental personnel, func- tioning under the supervision of the person responsible for the oral health of our citizens - the dentist.
ALL ONTARIO CITIZENS HAVE THE RIGHT TO THE ABOVE BILL OF RIGHTS
Keep Ontario's dental health care unparalleled in the world.
Unanimously adopted by members of the Ontario Dental Association.
Sponsored by the
DENTISTS
of
COLLINGWOOD