Ontario Seniors Dental Care Program

The Ontario Seniors Dental Care program provides high quality dental care to all seniors who qualify.

Seniors are more prone to dental decay, gum disease and oral cancer than other groups, so it's important to have regular dental checkups to prevent further issues.

Eligibility

A senior may be eligible for the Ontario Seniors Dental Care program if they:

• Are 65 years old or over
• Are a resident of Ontario
• Have an annual net income of $25,000 or less for a single person, or a combined annual net income of $41,500 or less for a couple
• Have no access to any other form of dental benefits, such as private insurance or other government programs such as Ontario Disability Support Program or Ontario Works

Financial eligibility is based on a senior's net income (line 23600 on an income tax form).

Low-cost dental options

If a senior doesn't meet the eligibility criteria and has no other form of dental coverage, they may call dental offices in their area to see if they offer payment plans or reduced fees for those without insurance.

More information on other low-cost dental care options can be found through the Niagara Dental Health Coalition.

More information

• Dental services covered under the program

  Publicly-funded dental services covered under this program include:

  • Examinations and assessments
  • Preventive services such as cleanings and polishing
  • Restorative services to repair broken teeth and cavities
  • X-rays
  • Oral surgery services to remove teeth or abnormal tissue
  • Anaesthesia
  • Endodontic services to treat infection and pain such as root canals
  • Periodontal services to treat gum conditions and diseases

  Prosthodontic services, including dentures, will be partially covered.

  Certain dental procedures under the Ontario Seniors Dental Care program have limits based on scientific and clinical criteria. Your Ontario Seniors Dental Care program dental provider can provide more information based on your situation.

  In the case of an emergency dental need, eligible clients may be able to access limited services without a dental card. Call the Dental Health Line at 905-688-8248 or 1-888-505-6074 ext. 7399 for more information.

  To receive services, the eligible senior must present their valid Ontario Seniors Dental Care program benefit card at the appointment.

• No social insurance number or tax return

  A social insurance number (SIN) or temporary taxation number and a personal tax return with the Canada Revenue Agency for the most recent tax year is required to apply.

  If a senior doesn't have a SIN and / or has not filed taxes in the recent tax year, they may apply using a guarantor.

• If your application is approved

  If an application is approved, a welcome package and Ontario Seniors Dental Care program benefit card will be mailed to the applicant as proof of enrolment.

  Seniors will be notified by mail each year of their eligibility for continued participation in the program, or about how to re-apply to the program if needed.