Lee Sichuan Proposes Lifespan Oral Care; Su Chiao-hui Advocates Full Denture Subsidy

(CNA reporters Huang Hsu-sheng and Wang Hung-kuo, New Taipei, July 15) Kuomintang (KMT) New Taipei mayoral candidate Lee Sichuan today announced a lifespan oral healthcare policy, including subsidies for low-to-mid-income individuals aged 65+ to receive dentures. Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) mayoral candidate Su Chiao-hui responded by advocating universal subsidies for all seniors aged 65+ to alleviate family financial burdens.

Lee Sichuan unveiled his 'Lifespan Dental Care' policy today, emphasizing that dental health directly impacts children's development, adults' quality of life, and seniors' nutrition, swallowing ability, and overall health. He stressed that 'prevention is better than treatment' in oral care. He pledged to build upon incumbent Mayor Hou Yu-ih's achievements while further refining policies. His plan includes five key initiatives targeting children, adolescents, pregnant and postpartum women, seniors, indigenous populations, and severely disabled or cognitively impaired individuals.

If elected, Lee said he would extend fluoride varnish programs to first-grade elementary students and integrate them into school health checkups to establish early oral hygiene habits. For junior high students, he will promote pit and fissure sealants on second molars to strengthen permanent teeth development and reduce adolescent cavities and future treatment costs.

Additionally, the policy includes free oral healthcare services for women during the first year postpartum to reduce risks of periodontal disease, tooth decay, and oral discomfort. Individuals aged 55+ from indigenous communities and low-to-mid-income seniors aged 65+ will receive subsidies of up to NT$50,000 for various types of dentures. The policy also covers denture examination fees and repair costs for removable dentures, aiming to improve chewing ability, nutrition intake, and overall well-being.

For severely disabled or cognitively impaired individuals, the plan allocates an annual NT$3,000 oral care subsidy per person. This funding will support home-based or institutional dental services, including cleanings, oral examinations, and preventive care, reducing risks of aspiration pneumonia and malnutrition.

Kao Chun-hua, President of the New Taipei City Dental Association, and Yeh Chien-yang, Secretary-General of the Chinese Dental Association, attended the press event. Both praised the five-point policy for comprehensively addressing diverse age groups and reducing medical and childcare burdens across communities.

In contrast, DPP mayoral candidate Su Chiao-hui argued that denture subsidies should be universally available to all seniors, not limited by income. She proposed NT$50,000 subsidies for dentures for all individuals aged 65+ and indigenous people aged 55+.

Liu Fang-yu, spokesperson for Su Chiao-hui's campaign office, stated in a press release that the policy aims to prevent seniors from compromising their diets—and consequently their health—due to financial constraints. She noted that denture expenses remain a burden regardless of income status. Many retired seniors hesitate to ask their children or younger family members for money, leading to delayed dental treatment. Therefore, she argued, economic status should not be a barrier to subsidies, and all seniors should be eligible for support. (Edited by Li Heng-shan) 1150715