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 and over
  • Are a resident of Ontario
  • Have an annual net income of $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 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).

If a senior doesn't meet the eligibility criteria for the Ontario Seniors Dental Care program 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.

How to apply

There are two ways to apply.

Important application note

Seniors must apply for the program on an individual basis. If an applicant's spouse is eligible and wants to apply, the couple must complete two application forms.

For questions and support through the application process in English and French:

  • Call: 416-916-0204
  • Toll-free: 1-833-207-4435
  • TTY: 1-800-855-0511

Seniors may also call the Niagara Region Public Health Dental Health Line at 905-688-8248 or 1-888-505-6074 ext. 7399 for assistance.

If you don't have a social insurance number or didn't file a 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.

Approved application

If an application is approved, a welcome package and dental 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 required.

Benefit card

To receive services, the eligible senior must have a valid Ontario Seniors Dental Care program benefit card. The card must be presented at the time of the appointment.

If a senior doesn't have a card and needs help to complete an application, call the Dental Health Line at 905-688-8248 or 1-888-505-6074 ext. 7399 to book an appointment.

Services

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.

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.

Application and complete dental service appointments

These appointments would include cleanings, x-rays, fillings and extractions.

Niagara Falls Community Health Centre
905-356-2288
4790 Victoria Ave., Niagara Falls

Quest Community Health Centre
905-688-2558 ext. 248
145 Queenston St., St. Catharines

Application and preventive service appointments only

Centre de Santé
905-734-1141 ext. 2282
810 East Main St., Welland
French not required - service available to all

Niagara Region Public Health
905-688-8248 ext. 7399
1264 Garrison Rd., Unit 12, Fort Erie

Applications only

Due to COVID-19, many locations for application pick-up are temporarily closed. Call the Dental Health Line at 905-688-8248 or 1-888-505-6074 ext. 7399 for application assistance.

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