September 22, 1999
To:Community Services Committee
From:Jack Layton
Co-Chair, Advisory Committee on Homeless & Socially Isolated Persons
Subject:Dental Care for People who are Homeless
At its September 22nd meeting, the Advisory Committee for Homeless and Socially Isolated Persons, discussed the urgent
need for dental care for people who are homeless. Reports from the health care sector highlight the range of dental
problems experienced by people who are homeless. The Mayor's Homelessness Task Force reported that many homeless
people cannot get basic dental care. The research indicates that homeless adults have a higher degree of dental disease and
more need for treatment due to infection, plain and decayed teeth than the general population.
In response to this issue, the Advisory Committee passed the following motion to be forwarded to the Community Services
Committee for action.
It is recommended that:
The City of Toronto develop a program to provide for the dental needs of people who are homeless. And, that this program
provide assistance for the range of dental care needs required, not limited to emergency care.
Sincerely,
ack Layton
Co-Chair,
Advisory Committee on Homeless & Socially Isolated Persons
