The Ontario government’s recent announcement of funding to expand access to the Ontario Seniors Dental Care Program will enable a new clinic to open at the South East Grey Community Health Centre in Markdale.

The Ontario government is providing $25 million to support 78 infrastructure projects across the province, including building new dental clinics and renovating existing facilities.

Grey Bruce Health Unit put forward a capital funding proposal for one-time funding of $320,000 for Owen Sound and $336,900 in Markdale to make upgrades to be able to offer Senior’s Dental Clinics in these locations. The clinics are located at:

· Grey Bruce Health Unit, 101 17th Street East, Owen Sound

· South East Grey Community Health Centre, 55 Victoria Avenue, Markdale

Upgrades will begin by the end of 2020. Currently, the Grey Bruce Health Unit is able to provide senior’s dental care in the Owen Sound clinic only and has been providing care to eligible clients with urgent dental needs throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Ontario Seniors Dental Care program provides free routine dental care for eligible low-income seniors across Ontario who do not have dental benefits. Ontarians aged 65 years and over with an income of $19,300 or less, or couples with a combined annual income of $32,300 will qualify for the Ontario Seniors Dental Care Program.

Seniors can call Grey Bruce Health Unit at 519-376-9420 to speak with a member of the Oral Health Team about qualifying for and enrolling in the program.

source: media release, Grey Bruce Health Unit