For many Manitobans, getting a terrible toothache can mean a trip to the hospital, but that could be changing if the Manitoba Dental Association has its way.
Association president Dr. Cory Sul says too many people are ending up in hospital emergency rooms due to dental issues that could be solved with a trip to the dentist.
He would like to see the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority and the province partner up to help patients and divert people from hospital emergency rooms.
“It costs about $625 for one patient to go into the ER and find out they have a dental problem,” said Sul, adding that a trip to see a dentist would cost about $45.
Sul says such trips to hospital emergency rooms are costing the WRHA $3.2 million per year.
Sul wants to see the province work with his association to open up a dental emergency room close to hospital emergency rooms that would provide service 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
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