Thank you.
Dr. Squires, Dr. Drake and Mr. Munter, as people who work in pediatric hospitals, I want to put some information to you.
We've heard at this committee, and according to the Canadian Dental Association, tooth decay remains the most common, yet preventable, childhood chronic disease in Canada. It is the most common reason for Canadian children to undergo day surgery. It is a leading cause of why children miss school.
I want to put to you this proposition I've been told about. The most common surgery performed on preschool children at most pediatric hospitals in Canada is treatment of dental decay. Is that your experience at your hospital? If so, would having a good dental care program focused on prevention at a young age of children help relieve the pressure on your ERs and your pediatric hospitals?