The following text may have been generated by Optical Character Recognition, with varying degrees of accuracy. Reader beware!

www.oakvillebeaver.com The Oakville Beaver, Wednesday July 16, 2008 - 11 Dental assistance program taking bite out of regional budget Escalating costs may force Region to limit services By Stephanie Hounsell SPECIAL TO THE BEAVER Once Upon A Child: We buy and sell new and gently used children's clothing, accessories, toys, furniture and equipment. And we pay you immediately for all items accepted. Councillors are concerned too many people are taking advantage of Halton Region's dental financial assistance program, resulting in a shortage of funds. "I'm concerned with the costs escalating too much," said Milton Councillor Colin Best at last week's regional health and social services committee meeting.s He was responding to a staff report that states 67 per cent of this year's budget for the Dental Care Counts (DCC) program was used up in the first five months of 2008 alone. Last year, only 63 per cent of the budget was spent throughout the entire year. In response to the unexpected demand for the program, staff has not approved any new denture services since June 1, instead waiting to receive direction from council. DCC is in place to ensure older adults and adults with special needs have access to oral care, the report states. The majority of the funds so far this year -- and where the unexpected increase has occurred -- have gone toward new dentures (60 per cent). The approved budget for this year -- the same as last year -- is $130,000. In the first five months of this year, $87,000 was already incurred, with $94,000 approved for clients, but not yet incurred, meaning more than the entire year's budget has already been spent. In response to the unexpected number of people taking advantage of DCC, committee members endorsed a staff recommendation to not approve any new dentures and to limit denture care to relines and repairs from Aug. 1 to Dec. 31. Other services would continue. The total cost of this option by the end of 2008 would be $265,000, as opposed to the $406,000 it would cost to remain on the same path as the first five months of the year. The DCC program started in 2003, and up until 2005 was actually underutilized, the staff report states. In 2006, the criteria were broadened and use of the program soared, the staff report states. Medical Officer of Health Dr. Bob Nosal told the committee word simply got out about the program. Responding to a staff comment that some program users return several times for denture servicing, Best said preventative maintenance should be examined so this doesn't happen. "This is going through the roof," he said. The item is scheduled to go before regional council today. CUSTOMER APPRECIATION DAY! Oakville Thurs., July 17, 2008 OPEN 9 AM - 9:30 PM 10% OFF NEW ITEMS AND 30% OFF GENTLY USED EQUIPMENT ALL DAY! ALL GENTLY USED CLOTHING & TOYS WILL BE: 9 AM - 6 PM 30% OFF 6 PM - 8 PM 40% OFF 8 PM - 9:30 PM 50% OFF All sales are final. Valid at this location on this day. No Exchanges, Adjustments, Holds or Further Discounts. No buys on this day. ® Kid's Stuff with Previous ExperienceTM 2423 Trafalgar Road (South of Dundas) OAKVILLE 905-257-5775 READERS CHOICE AWARD WINNERS w w w.ouaccanada.com F When you subscribe to The O $10.00 Pre-paid Tim Card from And.... your name will be enter NEWS Oakville's #1 Computer Store Xerox Printer Special! Colour laser multifunction printer The complete small office document solution GET IT WHILE I To subscribe simply fill in the and send it, along with your to The Oakville Beaver Circu by July 31st, 2008. 467 Speers Rd. Oakville, ON L6K 3 Fax: 905-337-5557 $779 NOW Ph: 905-845-9742 lblaik@oakvillebe Name: ________________ Address: ______________ Phone: ________________ Chq attached Cardholder name: _____ Card #: ________________ Signature: ____________ *Tim Hortons offer expire trip will be held on Thurs TERMS AND CONDITIONS - In order to register your 5 DAY CANCUN GETAWAY - The Cancun Getaway to 2 children. The package does not include cost of t by credit card at the time of the booking. Completed Travel dates available between April 1st and Decemb 5 DAY CARNIVAL CRUISE - This offer is valid for pa are not included. This certificate includes all meals a (excluding holidays). Flight is not included. 2 NIGHT VEGAS GETAWAY - This vacation is valid for 2 nights hotel accommodations (double occupancy) and 2 airline ticket from an approved point of origin to Las Vegas NV. This vacation is valid for 2 adults. There is an additional cost per day for additional guests. The vacation does not include the cost of food, beverages, taxes, gratuities, ground transportation, or incidental expenses. This vacation is valid for Sunday, Monday or Tuesday departures only. Taxes are $98 US per person for a total of $196 US to depart from a major US International Airport. Taxes are $117 US per person for a total of $234 US to depart from a pre-approved Canadian International Airport. All taxes to be paid by credit card at time of booking. Passenger (s) must be 21 years of age or older with a valid drivers license and a major credit card. All travellers need proof of citizenship and photo I.D. (passport, birth certificate). This package is non transferable, and cannot be sold or redeemed for case, nor shall any rebates, refunds or credits be issued for any unused time, days or space. This package is not valid for employees or relatives of the participating merchant. This offer is void where prohibited by law. $399 NOW Xerox Phaser 6180/N Quality colour laser printing for small offices Authorized Service Centre C A N A D I A N CO M P U T E R Sales. Service. Personal Touch. Since 1987 Prices valid unitl July 31, 2008. All advertised products are subject to limited quantities. See store for details. 414 Speers Road 905-849-0737 www.canadiancomputer.com