Senior citizens dental practitioners call for insurance coverage for oral diseases

Stressing on the general apathy towards oral health by the authorities, senior citizens and some leading practitioners today called for bringing dental diseases also under the purview of health insurance that the government is trying to push greatly now.

Attending a function, organized by Nanavati Super Speciality Hospital in collaboration with Indian Dental Association (IDA), to mark the World Oral Health Day, the senior citizens raised concerns on the neglect by the companies and the regulators towards oral health.

“We pay for the general insurance packages, but dental diseases are not covered or the companies do not reimburse. Teeth are also very much part of the body that is being covered through insurance. By excluding it, the very purpose of the medical policy is defeated,” pointed Harshad Parikh, a pensioner.

“The companies do not reimburse the amount spent for dental care, especially in the case of retired persons like me. It will be a win-win situation for both the insurance companies and the people, if dental care also is covered. Moreover, humanitarian aspect also should be considered in the case of senior citizens,” said D K Govil, one of the senior citizens attending the Oral Health Talk at Nanavati Auditorium.

Dr Neha Parikh, senior manager of Indian Dental Association, also pointed out that the dental care was completely neglected by the authorities and there was nothing for it in the recent budget also.  “Insurance coverage will inculcate the habit of oral health care and prompt the people for routine check-ups,” she said. Globally, 60-90% children suffer from some kind of oral problems while 100% adults do have one or other problem related to oral health, she added.

Apart from briefing the large number of senior citizens on oral health care by the experts, a free check-up was also held under the leadership of Dr. S S Khambay and Dr. Meena Khambay, Maxillofacial Surgeons from Nanavati Super Speciality Hospital.

“As there are all options to enjoy life by taking care of teeth, why should we remain dentally challenged, especially at the old age,” according to Dr. Meena Khambay,  who spoke on Oral & Dental Health Care. Adding to which, Dr. SS Khambay said, “Today, the scenario has changed. Senior citizens are more responsive to newer advanced treatment modes as the level of awareness has increased. Everyone is getting more and more health conscious and oral health plays a significant role in the general wellbeing of an individual.”

Quiz session post the talks helped participants to better understand the importance of oral health and it also made the session very interactive.

The event marked Nanavati Super Speciality Hospital’s collaboration with India Dental Association to play a major role in achieving IDA’s Vision: Optimal National Oral Health for All By 2020.