The Ontario Seniors Dental Care Program (OSDCP) provides eligible seniors with free routine dental care at Public Health Units, Community Health Centres, and Aboriginal Health Access Centres.
Services covered under the OSDCP include:
- Check-ups, including scaling, polishing and fluoride
- Repairing broken teeth and cavities
- X-rays
- Oral surgery
- Anesthesia
- Endodontic (root canal) services
- Periodontal (gum-related) services
Dental prosthetics, including dentures, may be partially covered. Local public health units can provide more information.
To be eligible for this program, applicants must:
- Be 65 years of age or older
- Be a resident of Ontario
- Meet the income requirements of:
- An annual net income of $25,000 or less for a single senior
- A combined annual net income of $41,500 or less for a couple
- Have no other form of dental benefits (with the exception of the Canadian Dental Care Plan), including private insurance or dental coverage under another government program such as:
- Ontario Works
- Ontario Disability Support Program
- Non-Insured Health Benefits
Coverage ends on July 31st each year, regardless of when enrollment began, and recipients are automatically verified for re-enrollment each year.
How to Apply
The following information is required to apply:
- Date of birth
- Valid Ontario address
- Social Insurance Number or Temporary Taxation Number
- Previous year’s taxes must have been filed
The application must include the completed application form and the signed consent form.
For applicants who don’t have a SIN or didn’t file last year’s taxes, a guarantor is required to complete the application.
There are two application options:
- Online application form here
- Mail-in application
Physical copies for mail-in purposes can be downloaded and printed, picked up from a local health unit, or mailed to the applicant. Once an application has been approved, a welcome package and dental card will be mailed to the applicant.
FAQs
How do I find a participating dentist?
Dental services are available through Public Health Units, Community Health Centres, and Aboriginal Health Access Centres. For information, contact your local public health unit.
Are there any out-of-pocket costs or co-pays for dental services provided through the OSDCP?
While most dental services are covered under this program, clients will be responsible for the co-payment for dentures or other services with limited coverage. For more information on which services are covered and which are not, you can contact the Ontario Seniors Dental Care Program or your local health unit.
References
- Government of Ontario, Dental Care for Seniors
- Accerta, Ontario Seniors Dental Care Program
- Public Health Sudbury & Districts, Denture Services Provider Factsheet
*The content provided in this article, including text, graphics, and referenced material, is intended for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional dental advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with your dentist or another qualified oral health professional for questions regarding your dental condition. Never disregard professional dental advice or delay seeking it based on information from this article. If you believe you have a dental emergency, contact your dentist, or seek immediate assistance from an oral healthcare professional.