The province is being urged to accelerate the expansion of oral health programs for low income adults.
Chatham-Kent Medical Officer of Health Doctor David Colby says more dental programs are needed now and there's too much of a gap between existing coverage and the fees charged by dentists.
Colby says many are often ineligible for provincial benefits and end up getting help from generous dentists.
In 2014, the Erie St. Clair Local Health Integration Network reported 3,160 emergency room visits due to oral health issues, but Colby says "they're not equipped for that".
Colby says dental care is unaffordable for many.
"Were relying on the goodwill of our local dentists to get our population served," he says. "I think it's high time this be considered as a priority because so many people are affected."
Colby says poor oral health has a negative impact on general health.
He adds "dental issues are so painful and so debilitating to people and are part of general health in a very real sense that the province needs to step up to the plate and have a program so these people are covered."