For the most part, Ontario residents pay out-of-pocket or use private dental insurances for their dental care. There are programs or clinics, however, that help to provide some access to care for the most vulneralbe.
Healthy Smiles Ontario:
Learn about publicly funded programs for children and youth 17 years of age and younger, please refer to the ministry’s web pages for new details on the new Healthy Smiles Ontario program:
- The public web page includes information on the new program, including eligibility criteria and how to apply (en français).
- The professional web page includes information for dental providers, including new service schedules, forms and operational details on the new program (en français).
If you need help applying or filling out forms, contact your local public health unit.
Government Funded Programs in Ontario
This resource, from the Ontario Association of Public Health Dentistry, provides a summary of government funded dental programs in Ontario including details of eligibility, coverage and other useful program related information.
Ontario Works:
May provide discretionary benefits for adults. Each municipality decides the level of coverage and what they cover for adults.
Ontario Disability Support Program:
May provide basic dental coverage for adults and their spouse. Children 17 years of age and under are eligible for dental coverage through Healthy Smiles Ontario. Children 18 years of age and older may be provided dental coverage through Ontario Works Discretionary Benefits.
Oral Health Surveillance:
Public Health Units conduct surveys on student in all publicly funded elementary schools annually to determine the level of oral health of Ontario Children. Eligible children may be provided with topical fluoride pit and fissure sealants and/or cleaning through Healthy Smiles Ontario. This service is free for families.
Clinics for low-income residents:
- University of Toronto
- University of Western Ontario
- The SHOUT Clinic, sponsored by the AIDS Committee of Toronto (ACT)
- There are various regional clinics that offer some low-cost dental services. Check with the region in which you reside by following this link to the Association of Local Public Health Agencies.