The provincial government announced today the launch of the new Ontario Seniors Dental Care Program (OSDCP), which will provide free routine dental care for eligible low-income seniors across the province.

Each year in Ontario, preventable dental issues like gum disease, infections and chronic pain lead to more than 60,000 emergency department visits by patients, of which a significant portion are seniors. Many low-income seniors face challenges accessing regular dental care because they cannot afford it, impacting their overall well-being.

Eligible seniors can apply to the program online as of today (ontario.ca/SeniorsDental), or by picking up an application form at a local public health unit. Once an application is approved, seniors will receive a welcome package in the mail which will explain how to access services, where and how to book an appointment, and what must be brought to each appointment.

Ontarians aged 65 and over with an income of $19,300 or less, or couples with a combined annual income of $32,300 or less, who do not have dental benefits, will qualify for the Ontario Seniors Dental Care Program.

This new publicly-funded seniors dental care program will be rolled out across Grey Bruce in two stages. Stage 1 will provide limited service based on current public health dental set-up. Please call for information on services available in Grey Bruce during Stage 1.

Stage 2 will occur when more clinics are available in Grey Bruce. Stage 2 is not anticipated until well in to 2020.

Two-thirds of low-income seniors do not have access to dental insurance. It is estimated that 100,000 low-income seniors will benefit annually from this program once fully implemented.

The new dental care program will be available through public health units, including some mobile dental clinics, as well as participating Community Health Centres (CHCs) and Aboriginal Health Access Centres (AHACs).

source: media release