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Dental Health

Government Funded Dental Programs

Not everyone has dental coverage and for some people the cost of treatment is not affordable. This section shares what publicly funded dental care programs are available and who is eligible.

Healthy Smiles Ontario

Healthy Smiles Ontario is a free dental program for children and teens age 17 or younger who qualify. It is funded by the Province of Ontario. 

How to qualify for Health Smiles Ontario: Core Services Stream

  • Children and youth 17 and younger can enroll in the Core stream by applying online at Healthy Smiles Ontario or by visiting any SMDHU office. Eligibility is based on household income and the number of dependent children in your household. Must be a resident of Ontario and have completed and filed your taxes.
  • Once qualified, children and youth 17 and under enrolled in Healthy Smiles Ontario will be automatically re-assessed each benefit year according to their income threshold. Annual notices about their enrollment status will be sent by mail.

Emergency and Essential Services Stream (EESS)

  • Families that don't qualify based on their income but have a child/youth in need of emergency care can access coverage through the EESS stream. Children can be screened at their annual elementary school screening or their local public health unit. Dental office providers can enroll children/youth 17 and younger if they qualify for EESS using the HSO-EESS application form.
  • Clients will receive dental coverage for emergency and/or essential services for 6 months from their date of enrollment. Once coverage expires, clients will have to re-apply or will be encouraged to apply to the Healthy Smiles Ontario Core Stream. Please note, each child/youth can enroll into the Emergency and Essential Services Stream a maximum of 3 times in their lifetime.

Once a child's enrollment has been confirmed, they will receive a Health Smiles Ontario dental card by mail. The dental card must be presented to a dental provider at each visit to receive dental care under the program.

Clients accessing dental coverage under Health Smiles Ontario must wait to receive their client ID and expiry date before beginning dental services. Treatment completed before receiving your client ID number will not be covered.

Children whose parents are on Ontario Works or Ontario Disability Support Program are automatically covered for dental care with enrollment into the Healthy Smiles Ontario Program.

If you have questions about Healthy Smiles Ontario or would like help enrolling, please call 705-721-7520 or toll free 1-877-721-7520, extension 8804 or visit the Healthy Smiles Ontario website.

Canadian Dental Care Plan

The Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) is a publicly funded federal program that helps lower the cost of dental care for eligible Canadians. Children under the age of 18 without access to private dental insurance may be eligible for the Canadian Dental Care Plan.

Learn more about the CDCP.

Families may apply for both the Healthy Smiles Ontario program and the Canadian Dental Care Plan if eligible and benefits can be coordinated. 

Dental care is available if you are eligible through one of the following programs.

  • Ontario Works (OW) – If you are on OW you may be eligible for the Adult Emergency Dental Program which covers emergency dental procedures.

For more information, visit Non-insured Health Benefits (NIHB) Program Dental Client Quick Reference Sheet.

  • Canadian Dental Care Plan – Eligibility for adult will be expanding soon - visit CDCP for updates and the most current information. SMDHU Does not provide services under this plan. Please visit the Sunlife website for a list of dental providers that accept CDCP.

For more information call the Health Unit Dental Clinic at 705-721-7520 or toll free at 1-877-721-7520, extension 8818 or if on OW or ODSP your local social and community services office.

Ontario Seniors Dental Care Program

The Ontario Seniors Dental Care Program (OSDCP) is a provincial program that provides dental care to those who are eligible. For more information about where to access services, contact the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit. To be eligible you must:

  • be an Ontario resident aged 65 and over
  • have 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
  • not have dental benefits

Eligibility for the OSDCP is assessed by the Ministry of Finance based on information obtained for Line 236 (net income) of the individual tax return form. A dental card will be mailed to the applicant once the application is approved.

There are three ways to apply to the program:

The health unit provides services to eligible seniors by appointment. Dental care is available at:

  • 80 Bradford St. - Barrie
  • 5 Pineridge Gate - Gravenhurst

The following services are available:

  • Examinations
  • X-rays
  • Preventive care (cleanings, fluoride)
  • Restorations (fillings)
  • Extractions (tooth removal)
  • Root canals
  • Dentures (through authorized denturists with a small co-pay)

Appointments may be limited.

For more information about the OSDCP, please call the Health Unit Dental Clinic at 705-721-7520, extension 8804 or 1-877-721-7520.

Canadian Dental Care Plan

The Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) is a publicly funded federal program that helps lower the cost of dental care for eligible Canadians. Seniors aged 65 and over without access to private dental insurance may be eligible.

Learn more about CDCP.

Seniors may be eligible to receive dental care under the ODSCP and CDCP. Individuals may enroll in both programs, but coordination of benefits is not supported. For continuity of care, it is recommended to use one dental provider.
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