Letters to the editor...Dental care a serious matter

Dear editor, The recent article stating that the region's dental program is "demeaning" just proved how uneducated our society is about the importance of dental care and the protection of our children. Dental decay, if left untreated, produces an infection that can spread to the underlying bone structure and surrounding tissues causing facial cellulites, an infection that causes the cheek to swell. In rare instances, the infection can spread beyond the jaw to the eye, airway or even the brain. Dental decay makes routine eating difficult or impossible, causes chronic pain, will delay or retards a child's growth or development, and makes it difficult or impossible for a child to perform daily activities. Recognizing dental neglect is important because, in many cases it has been associated with general healthcare neglect. In Ontario, if a child requires dental treatment and a parent does not seek care, the law considers this neglect as child abuse. Under the Child and Family Services Act individuals are required to report this neglect to the local Children's Aid Society. I feel that by having the parent ask the dentist for his signature and reporting back to the department to verify that treatment has been completed, looks out for the best interest, protection and well being of the child. The mother may feel she is giving up her right to privacy but what about her child's right to guaranteed care and protection. Krystine Woods, Registered Dental Hygienist, Georgetown