Poverty in Northumberland Canada

Canadian seniors can't afford dental care.

When she called a dentist in 2001, she found out it would cost $2,500 for her first visit.

“I can afford $300 to $400,” said Ms. Burke. “I can’t afford $3,000 to $4,000.”

So she travels to the University of Toronto to get her teeth cleaned by students at a reduced cost.

Ms. Burke used to drive to Newcastle and take the GO system into Toronto. Now she does not drive and has to take a VIA train, which costs much more but is still cheaper than visiting a local dentist. Ms. Burke leaves at 9 a.m. for her 2 p.m. appointment and does not get back into town until 7 p.m. that night.

“I’m able to get out and go there but there are so many seniors who are unable,” She said.

“It’s a very sad situation.”