Senior woman holding a toothbrush and smiling.

Dental and Oral Health

Ontario Seniors Dental Care Program

Seniors and Oral Health logo.

Ontario's Seniors Dental Care Program covers basic dental care including services such as examinations, x-rays, preventive services, fillings, extractions and denture care for eligible seniors.

If you are unable to afford dental care, this program may be for you.

Download our seniors and oral health resource

Who is eligible?

To be eligible for the Ontario Seniors Dental Care Program you must:

Be an Ontario resident over 65 years of age with an annual net income of $19,300 or less for a single person or a combined annual net income of $32,300 or less for a couple.*
Not have access to any other form of dental benefits (e.g. private insurance or other government program).

*As of August 1, 2021, the income thresholds will increase to $22,200 for a single person or a combined annual net income of $37,100 or less for a couple.

How do I apply?

Contact Durham Region Health Department

If you have questions about the Ontario Seniors Dental Care Program, call 1-866-853-1326 ext. 4569 or email dentalscreening@durham.ca.

Apply online

You can also complete your application online at Ontario.ca/SeniorsDental. Your forms must be printed, signed and mailed to the province. If you are part of a couple, each of you will have to complete and sign a separate form.

Where will I get my dental care?

Most of your treatment will be provided at the Durham Region Health Department Oral Health Clinic.

If you have questions about the Ontario Seniors Dental Care Program, call 1-866-853-1326 ext. 4569 or email dentalscreening@durham.ca.

Healthy Smiles Ontario (HSO)

Healthy Smiles Ontario offers free dental care to children and youth 17 and under. They must qualify for the program. Healthy Smiles Ontario covers basic or emergency dental needs.

Services include:

X-rays
Fillings
Removal of teeth if necessary
Cleanings

Fluoride treatment
Pit and fissure sealants
Mouthguard fittings

Download our different ages different stages resource

Download our guide to making tooth-friendly choices for a healthy mouth

If you have questions about Healthy Smiles Ontario, call 1-866-853-1326 ext. 4569 or email dentalscreening@durham.ca.

Other dental financial assistance

Ontario Works

Ontario Disability Support Program

Dental Screening Program

Dental screening is a quick look at the teeth and surrounding gums. A registered dental hygienist performs the screening using a sterilized dental mirror. We offer screenings once a year to all publicly funded schools. You can also request a screening from the Durham Region Health Department's Oral Health Clinic.

A dental screening does not replace a regular check-up by a dentist.

We'll send a note home with your child if we find any issues with recommendations about dental services your child needs. If you received a note from the school dental screening program and want to book an appointment, please call 1-866-853-1326 ext. 4567.

Durham Region Health Department Oral Health Clinic

The Durham Region Health Department's Oral Health Clinic is free for any child in the Healthy Smiles Ontario program. Also, any parent that has a concern about their child's dental health can call and book an appointment for a free dental screening. We can also help you apply to the program.

Oral Health Clinic location:

1615 Dundas Street East, Suite 210
Whitby, Ontario LIN 2L1
1-866-853-1326 ext. 4567

Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Watch our Oral Health and Your Child video.

View our Oral Health Clinic.