Home/Healthy Living/Dental/Ontario Seniors Dental Care Program

Ontario Seniors Dental Care Program

Given the continued spread of COVID-19 worldwide, KFL&A Public Health is engaged in responding to this situation. This means, we have had to make changes to some programs and services.

Effective immediately we will not be offering in-person services for the Ontario Seniors Dental Care program. Please do not drop-in for support. Anyone already scheduled for an appointment will be contacted directly to discuss next steps.

This decision will be revisited in the future. Please check back or subscribe to this page for updates.

For urgent concerns, call 613-549-1232, ext. 1218 to speak to a dental professional for assistance.

The Ontario Seniors Dental Care program (OSDCP) provides high quality dental care to all seniors who qualify. Seniors are more prone to dental decay, gum disease, and oral cancer than other groups, so it is important to have regular dental checkups and prevent further issues.

KFL&A Public Health is working with the Ministry of Health to implement this program though the various stages. If you have questions not answered on this page, please contact KFL&A Public Health.

KFL&A Public Health can:

Answer questions about the program.
Assist you to get the application form and help you apply.
Help you find local OSDCP and other available services.

For help with specific questions about the status of your application form, please contact the Seniors Dental Client Care Line at 1-833-207-4435, TTY: 1-800-855-0511.

When will the OSDCP begin?

This new publicly-funded dental care program for low-income seniors will be rolled out in two stages:
- The first stage began in November 2019 when the application process opened. Some limited services will be available in the KFL&A region.
- The second stage will occur when more clinics are available across Ontario.

What are the eligibility criteria for the OSDCP?

Ontarians aged 65 and over who do not have dental benefits may be eligible if they meet income criteria:
- single income of $19,300 or less, OR
- couple’s combined annual income of $32,300 or less

How will seniors' financial eligibility be determined?

Eligibility for the Ontario Seniors Dental Care Program will be based a senior’s net income (Line 236 from your tax return).
Net income measures the sum of all income potentially subject to tax, including but not limited to employment income, investment income, pension income (including Canada Pension Plan), and government social support payments (e.g., Old Age Security, Guaranteed Income Supplement, Social Assistance) less non-discretionary expenses associated with earning income (e.g., union dues, professional fees) and pension contributions (e.g., RRSP contributions or contributions to a Registered Pension Plan).

How will a low-income senior access the program?

Seniors can apply online or by mail, or get a copy of the application form from KFL&A Public Health
A provincial centre will process all completed application forms and check the applicant’s income. Eligible seniors will be enrolled in the program and provided with a dental card as proof of enrolment in the program. Seniors must be enrolled in the program and bring their dental card in order to access services through the Ontario Seniors Dental Care program.
Seniors with a dental card can book an appointment by calling Kingston Community Health Centres (KCHC) at 613-507-6064. Seniors must be enrolled in the program and bring their dental card to the appointment, to access services through the OSDCP.
If you need transportation to and from an OSDCP dental appointment, we will try to help. Call the KFL&A Public Health Dental Health Program.

What dental services will be covered under this program?

Dental services include preventive care and treatment services such as fillings and extractions. The OSDCP will include partial coverage for denture services for eligible clients. More information is available.
In the case of an emergency dental need, OSDCP-eligible clients may be able to access limited services without a dental card. Contact us for more information.

How can someone get help if they do not meet OSDCP eligibility criteria?

If you experience severe dental pain and are unable to see a dentist, go to the nearest emergency room.
Call local dental offices to see if they offer payment plans or reduced fees for those without dental insurance.
Call the KFL&A Public Health Dental Health program. They can help navigate local service options available at no-cost or reduced fee, and check your eligibility for the Dental Treatment Assistance Fund.