Chris Glover MPP, Spadina–Fort York

Government of Ontario

Ontario Seniors Dental Care Program

A government-funded dental care program providing free, routine dental services for low-income seniors who are 65 years of age or older.

Ontario Seniors Dental Care Program

Coverage Includes:

-          Check-ups, including scaling, fluoride and polishing

-          Repairing broken teeth and cavities

-          X-Rays

-          Removing teeth or abnormal tissue (oral surgery)

-          Anesthesia

-          Treating infection and pain (endodontic services)

-          Treating gum conditions and diseases (periodontal services)

-          *Dental prosthetics (prosthodontic services including dentures) will be partially covered.

o   Speak to your local Public Health units for more information: http://www.health.gov.on.ca/en/common/system/services/phu/locations.aspx

 

Coverage Period:

-          Once enrolled in the program, coverage period is for up to one year.

-          Your coverage will end on Jul 31st every year, no matter when you enroll.

 

You may apply to the program if you:

-          Are 65 years of age or older

-          Are a resident of Ontario

-          Meet the income requirements:

o   An annual net income of $19,300 or less for a single senior.

o   A combined annual net income of $32,300 or less for a couple.

o   *Income will be verified using your Social Insurance Number

-          Have no other form of dental benefits, including private insurance or dental coverage under another government program such as Ontario Works, Ontario Disability Support Program or Non-Insured Health Benefits.

 

Before you apply:

-          Ensure you have the following:

o   Your date of birth

o   A valid Ontario address

o   Your Social Insurance Number (SIN) or Temporary Taxation Number (TTN)

o   Ensure you have filed your taxes last year

-          *If you do not have a SIN or did not file taxes in the previous year, complete the Ontario Seniors Dental Care Program Form here: http://www.forms.ssb.gov.on.ca/mbs/ssb/forms/ssbforms.nsf/FormDetail?OpenForm&ACT=RDR&TAB=PROFILE&SRCH=1&ENV=WWE&TIT=5126E&NO=5126E

o   *A Guarantor must also help you apply by mail.

  • A guarantor is someone who can confirm the identity, age and residency of the individual or couple applying to the program. A guarantor must be a Canadian citizen or at least 18 years of age.

 

How to apply:

If you and your spouse or common-law partner are applying to the program, you must submit two separate applications.

 

Apply online

To apply online:

  1. Complete the online application. https://seniors.accerta.ca/application/en
  2. Print and fill out the consent form.
  3. Mail the completed consent form within 30 days to:

 

Ontario Seniors Dental Care Program 
Station P, P.O. Box 159
Toronto, Ontario
M5S 2S7

 

Apply by mail

To apply by mail:

  1. Download and print the application form, or get one in person from your local public health unit.
  2. Fill out and complete the application form.
  3. Mail the completed form to the same address as above.

 

After you apply:

 

-          Once you have completed and submitted you application form, you will be contacted by phone and/or mail if there are any issues with your application.

-          If your application is approved, you will receive a welcome package and dental card in the mail that will expire on July 31st.

-          The welcome package will inform you on:

o   How to access services

o   Where to book an appointment

o   How to book an appointment

o   What you need to bring to each appointment

-          You must present your card to your dental provider at each visit to receive services under the program.

 

If you are accepted into the program, you can access dental services through:

  • Public Health Units
  • partner Community Health Centres
  • partner Aboriginal Health Access Centres 

 

Renewal Process: 

-          The OSDCP benefit year runs from August 1 to July 31st.

-          OSDCP clients must reapply if they:

o   Applied through the guarantor process, or

o   Did not file taxes for the most recent tax year that eligibility is being determined.

-          Before the end of each benefit year, all other clients will be automatically re-assessed for eligibility by the OSDCP Program Administrator.

-          Clients will be notified by mail if they are eligible to keep participating in the program (and will receive a new dental card), or about how to re-apply to the program, if required.

 

Contact for more information:

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

Your local public health unit can also help you apply to the program.

https://www.ontario.ca/page/dental-care-low-income-seniors

 

Local Resources:

Seniors may also get assistance completing the application by making an appointment at their nearest Community Health Centre or Public Health Dental Clinic listed below. Seniors will need to bring:

  • A piece of ID
  • Their Social Insurance Number (SIN) or Temporary Taxation number
  • If senior has a spouse (married or common-law), their spouse must also include their information on the form, including SIN or Temporary Taxation Number, and provide their signature for consent, regardless of their age.

Central Toronto Community Health Centres

168 Bathurst Street, Tororont, ON M5V 2R4  Tel: 416-703-8482  Fax: 416-703-7832

 

Parkdale Community Health Centre

1229 Queen Streent West, Toronto, ON  M6K 1L2  Tel: 416-537-2455  Fax: 416-537-5133