Dr. Anil Menon, who received MMSF funding in 2024, recently spoke to UM Today to discuss his funded research project, “Oral health status and treatment needs of seniors in personal care homes in Manitoba.”

An assistant professor of preventive dental science at the Dr. Gerald Niznick College of Dentistry – and Manitoba’s only dental public health specialist – Dr. Menon has been working to improve the dental health of people in care homes.

“A lot of work needs to be done,” Menon said. “We tend to neglect these people who have been silently suffering.”

His project description:

“In this project, we will investigate the oral health and dental treatment needs of people in care homes in urban and rural Manitoba. We will use the Canadian Oral Health Screening Tool for Seniors, clinical oral examinations and frailty assessments to explore several associations.

We will also investigate differences based on geography (urban vs. rural), availability of dental services, degree of frailty and socioeconomic status (SES).

This study will provide baseline data to advocate for improved dental care services and inform targeted interventions, especially with the introduction of the Canadian Dental Care Plan for seniors aged 65 and older.”

For this project, Dr. Menon also received the MMSF Kerry Bittner Communications Award for providing the best communication of an operating grant, based on the quality of the oral/visual presentation to the adjudication panel.  

To read more, read the UM Today article.

About the Manitoba Medical Service Foundation

Since 1971, the MMSF has awarded over $24 million to cutting-edge research and education to benefit the health of Manitobans and those around the world. In partnership with educational and research institutions and other foundations throughout Manitoba, the MMSF has contributed to the incredible work of local researchers who have changed the health landscape.  

Since inception, Manitoba Blue Cross has been the primary supporter of the MMSF – providing both financial and administrative support. Manitoba Blue Cross’s deep commitment to health and wellness makes it a strong ally in MMSF’s mission to improve health outcomes for all Manitobans.

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