Hamilton SpectatorHamilton's public health department is working out details of a new oral health program for low-income seniors after city council's recent approval of the initiative. Dr. Ninh Tran, an associate medical officer of health, says the program will start Aug. 1 out of the Robert Thompson Building, 110 King St. W. The city already offers a dental treatment and prevention clinic at the location, but there are plans to boost care for seniors this summer. "As of Aug. 1, we would expect there'll be increased availability for seniors with our dental clinic," said Tran.He expects the income eligibility cut-off will be around $20,000. The initiative, for those 65 and older, is expected to include basic care, X-rays, cleaning, fillings and extracts. It would cost $104,600 to run during the remainder of 2015.The department will increase clinic space and hire a dentist and dental assistant. The annual cost would be $251,275, funded by city money freed up by the Ministry of Health's takeover of several dental programs for children and youth.Toward the end of this year, he hopes to see the initiative expanded to include "outreach" service for seniors in long term care facilities and similar care arranged through the local Community Care Access Centre (CCAC).