government's commitment to increasing the number of dental surgeries performed each year is a good start but doesn't fully address the needs of people with disabilities, according to an autism advocate. The move is meant to help patients with developmental disabilities and complex medical conditions get access to dental treatment more quickly. With the new additions, the total number of dental surgeries for 2018-2019 will be 7,100, up from 6,200 in 2017-2018. This year, 15 per cent of patients waited more than 26 weeks for dental surgery, according to the province. Many people with severe autism or developmental disabilities require general anesthetic for routine dental procedures, like taking X-rays, filling cavities or cleaning teeth.

Source: CBC News March 19, 2018 21:22 UTC