Aiming to address senior citizens’ ongoing oral health needs, the Health Bureau (SSM) launches a new phase of the “Denture Scheme for Elderly” today.
The scheme continues to adopt a phased implementation approach, prioritising older seniors, according to an SSM statement yesterday.
The statement noted that the bureau first partnered with non-profit medical institutions in 2019 to launch the pilot scheme, prioritising denture subsidies for financially disadvantaged seniors. The eligibility age threshold was subsequently lowered in phases to 65 and above, achieving full coverage for all eligible elderly residents.
Additionally, elderly individuals who participated in the scheme in 2019, received a referral, are currently receiving financial assistance, and still require denture services are eligible to reapply for this phase, the statement said.
To date, 240 eligible seniors who expressed interest in receiving dentures have been referred to non-profit medical institutions for follow-up, and all have completed their denture fittings, the statement added.
According to the statement, in order to safeguard the dental and oral health of senior citizens, the local government continues to implement multi-level measures to comprehensively meet the basic dental care needs of the elderly.
Currently, eight local health centres provide free outpatient oral healthcare services to residents, including senior citizens. Services cover fillings, scale and polish treatment, pit and fissure sealing*, simple tooth extractions, and dental consultations, the statement said, adding that patients requiring specialist medical care are referred to the Dental Department of the public Conde de São Januário Hospital Centre (CHCSJ) for further treatment and follow-up.
* Pit and fissure sealing is a quick, painless dental procedure where a thin plastic coating is painted onto the chewing surfaces of back teeth. This coating fills deep grooves to block food and bacteria, preventing tooth decay in hard-to-clean areas. – Gemini
This undated handout photo provided by the Health Bureau (SSM) yesterday shows its logo on a wall.
