The Ontario government is investing $25 million in one-time funding to provide new dental clinics in underserviced areas, including through eight new mobile dental buses and an increased number of dental suites. This is part of second stage of the Ontario Seniors Dental Care Program.
The Ontario Seniors Dental Care Program provides free routine dental care for eligible low-income seniors across the province who do not have dental benefits. Ontarians aged 65 and over with an income of $19,300 or less or couples with a combined annual income of $32,300 or less will qualify for the Ontario Seniors Dental Care Program.
This publicly-funded program is available through Public Health Units, participating community health centres and Aboriginal Health Access Centres. Coverage includes:
- Check-ups, including scaling, fluoride and polishing;
- Repairing broken teeth and cavities;
- X-rays;
- Removing teeth or abnormal tissue (oral surgery);
- Anaesthesia;
- Treating infection and pain (endodontic services); and
- Treating gum conditions and diseases (periodontal services).
The program will also partially cover dental prosthetics (prosthodontic services), including dentures.
Eligible seniors can apply to the program online or by picking up an application form at a local public health unit.