Routine dental care coming for low-income seniors

As part of its comprehensive plan to end hallway health care, Ontario is investing in programs that keep seniors healthy in their communities longer.

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.

This is why the government is investing approximately $90 million annually for the new Ontario Seniors Dental Care Program (OSDCP), which will provide free routine dental care for eligible low-income seniors in Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound and across the province. In doing so, the government expects to reduce the number of dental-related emergency department visits, helping to end hallway health care.

“Our government’s $90 million investment in the Seniors Dental Care Program will go a long way and make a tremendous difference in helping all seniors live healthy lives. I encourage seniors across Bruce and Grey Counties to take advantage of this program and apply today,” said Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound MPP Bill Walker.

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.

“With this program, we are making sure Ontario’s low-income seniors can age with dignity and enjoy the quality of life they deserve,” said Premier Doug Ford. “This is another concrete way our government is delivering on our commitment to end hallway health care and cut hospital wait times.”

“By providing seniors with access to quality dental care and keeping them out of hospitals, this new program is a key part of our plan to end hallway health care,” said Minister of Health Christine Elliott. “Ontario is building a connected system of care that supports all Ontarians throughout their health care journey.”

“The well-being of all Ontario’s seniors is a top priority for this government,” said Minister of Seniors and Accessibility Raymond Cho. “This new dental care program will help eligible seniors receive the quality dental care they deserve. By keeping seniors healthy, we can also help seniors avoid emergency visits to the hospital, prevent chronic diseases, and increase quality of life for seniors across the province.”

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.

Ontario remains committed to building healthier communities and making life more affordable for everyone, including seniors and their families.

It is estimated that 100,000 low-income seniors will benefit annually from this program once fully implemented.

Two-thirds of low-income seniors do not have access to dental insurance.

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).