The Ontario Seniors Dental Care Program is available across the province for eligible seniors. This program provides eligible seniors with free routine dental care in Public Health Units, Community Health Centres, and Aboriginal Health Access Centres.
Seniors will need to qualify for this program. Ontario residents are eligible for the OSDCP if they:
- Are 65 years old and over
- Have an annual income less than $ 22, 200 or less for a single person or a combined annual net income of $37,100 or less for a couple
- Have no access to dental benefits (e.g., through private insurance or other government programs such as Ontario Disability Support Program or Non-Insured Health Benefits Program).
What dental services will be covered under this program?
Dental services covered under this program will include the following:
- Examinations/assessments
- Preventive services (e.g., cleanings)
- Restorative services to repair broken teeth and cavities (e.g., fillings)
- X-rays
- Oral surgery services to remove teeth or abnormal tissue
- Anaesthesia
- Endodontic services to treat infection and pain (e.g., root canals)
- Periodontal services to treat gum conditions and diseases.
Prosthodontic services, including dentures, will also be covered to a certain extent under the OSDCP.
How will a senior’s financial eligibility be determined?
A senior’s income will be verified using their Social Insurance Number (SIN) that they will provide when they apply to the program. A SIN will be used to verify a senior’s annual net income from their tax return.
How to apply
You can apply to the program online or by mail.
If you and your spouse or common-law partner are applying to the program, you must submit two separate applications. Seniors can apply online or can pick up a paper copy of the application form at one of the two offices of the Windsor-Essex County Health Unit.
Before you begin the online application, you will need:
- your date of birth
- a valid Ontario address
- your Social Insurance Number (SIN) or Temporary Taxation Number (TTN)
- to have filed your taxes last year
If you do not have a SIN or did not file taxes in the previous year, please complete the Ontario Seniors Dental Care Program application through the guarantor form. A complete list of guarantors can be found here.
A provincial processing centre will handle all of the completed application forms and will verify the applicant’s income. Eligible seniors will receive a welcome package and a dental card confirming their enrolment in the program. Once the dental card is received, residents in Windsor and Essex County can call the Windsor-Essex County Health Unit, Oral Health Department at 519-258-2146, ext. 1199 to make an appointment.
Should you have questions or would like help with applying, please contact the Oral Health Department at 519-258-2146, ext. 1199.