Access to Dental Care
Ontario
Where to find a dentist in Ontario
Dental Programs for Children
Dental Programs for Seniors
Financial Assistance Dental Benefits
Dental Services for Low-Income Families
Dental Services for Immigrants and Refugees
Other information
Where to find a dentist in Ontario
A dentist locator is available from the website of the Ontario Dental Association.
Dental Programs for Children
The Children in Need of Treatment (CINOT) program provides basic dental care for children and youth (up to their 18th birthday) who have urgent dental needs, no dental insurance and the cost of treatment would create a financial hardship.
All of Ontario’s 36 public health units provide free of charge, or pay for, the provision of topical fluoride, fissure sealants (a clear plastic placed on the biting surfaces of back teeth to prevent decay) and scaling (cleaning) for low income elementary school children who meet defined eligibility criteria. To find out if your child qualifies for one of these services, or to learn more about free and low cost dental services available in your area, contact your local public health unit at: http://www.health.gov.on.ca/english/public/contact/phu/phuloc_mn.html
The City of Toronto has a municipally-funded children's dental treatment program.
Dental Programs for Seniors
The City of Toronto offers some services for low-income seniors.
Ontario Works and the Disability Support Program Dental Benefits
Through the Ministry of Community and Social Services, Ontario Works provides basic dental coverage for children up to their 18th birthday and discretionary coverage for adults (each municipality decides the level of dental coverage).
Ontario Disability Support Program provides basic dental coverage for the recipient (which may be a child), their spouse and their dependent children (up to their 18th birthday).
Dental Services for low-income families
There are various regional clinics that offer some low-cost dental services. Check with the local public health unit in which you reside.
Public Health Unit Locations
The City of Toronto offers programs for low-income children, adolescents and seniors.
The SHOUT Clinic, sponsored by the AIDS Committee of Toronto (ACT) provides some dental services to people living with, or at risk of, HIV.
The City of Ottawa provides services for low-income families.
Dental Services for immigrants and refugees
During the settlement period, the refugee or immigrant might be eligible for the Interim Health Benefit Program. There is an application process for this program, and if eligible the individual is issued an IHBP card that verifies the coverage. The eligibility period is generally until the person has acquired provincial or territorial status, usually 3 months after applying. Details of the services covered and the process are available from http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/applications/
guides/5568EB.asp
It is possible to apply for an extension to the IHBP (application form for extension available from http://www.cic.gc.ca/English/pdf/kits/forms/IMM5564E.PDF )
After the initial settlement period, the families might qualify for the other provincial programs or clinics listed on this page.
Other information
The dental faculties at the University of Toronto and the University of Western Ontario provide dental services as a teaching facility.
