Financial Assistance for Dental Treatment

Healthy Smiles Ontario

If you struggle to pay your family's dental bills you may be eligible for financial assistance. Assessment by a registered dental hygienist may be required before enrolment into the program. This service is free of charge. This government-funded program provides free preventative, routine and emergency dental services for eligible children up to age 17.

Who is eligible for HSO coverage?

Children up to age 17 are eligible if they live in Ontario and their family meets the income eligibility requirements (external link). Even if you have dental insurance, your child may still qualify for HSO.

Your child or youth is automatically enrolled in the HSO program when they or their family receives:

• Ontario Works (OW)
• Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP)
• Assistance for Children with Severe Disabilities (ACSD)

How do I apply?

Call Halton Region at 311 or email accesshalton@halton.ca, go to Healthy Smiles Ontario (external link), or visit in person at any Service Ontario (external link) location. Once enrolled in the HSO program, your child's coverage lasts for up to one “benefit year” (August 1 – July 31) or until your child turns 18.

Have the following information ready when you call:

• your child's date of birth
• a valid Ontario address
• your income level or Ontario Child Benefit information
• your Social Insurance Number or Temporary Taxation Number (if you do not have either of these, obtain a Guarantor (external link))

Ontario Works Adults

The Ontario Works Adult program provides financial assistance for eligible adults 18-64 years of age to access dental care. It is intended for urgent dental needs and is not an on-going regular dental care program or an insurance plan. Coverage may include:

• emergency care for conditions involving pain, infection, or trauma
• non-emergency dental services under special circumstances

Eligible adults must contact Halton Region by calling 311 before they visit the dentist, to confirm their Ontario Works coverage.

Adults in need of dental treatment who are not covered by the program may qualify for dental coverage through Halton’s Low-Income Financial Supports. For more information and instructions on how to apply, visit Halton’s Low Income Financial Supports page or call 311 or email accesshalton@halton.ca.

OWA Frequently asked questions

Ontario Seniors Dental Care Program

The Ontario Seniors Dental Care Program provides free routine dental services for residents that meet the income criteria and are age 65 or older. Halton Region partners with local dental providers (such as dentists and oral surgeons) in all Halton municipalities to provide these services.

Halton residents can only access the program’s services through Halton Region Public Health. To begin receiving care through this program in Halton, please call 311.

Who is eligible for the Ontario Seniors Dental Care Program?

To be eligible for the program, you must:

• be 65 years of age or older;
• be a resident of Ontario;
• have no other form of dental benefits; and
• meet the income requirements.

To learn more about the program requirements and services covered, please visit ontario.ca/seniorsdental (external link).

How do I apply?

If you need help with the application, please call:

• The Ministry of Health: 416-916-0204
• Toll Free 1-833-207-4435
• TTY 1-800-855-0511

If you are approved for the program, you will be mailed a welcome package and an Ontario Seniors Dental Care Program card.

I have a valid OSDCP card, how do I access dental care in Halton?

To begin, please call 311.

• Please note there may be a wait for services under the Provincial program.
• Wait times may fluctuate based on urgency, municipality and volume of clients.
• The most urgent cases are seen first.

Program coverage renews on August 1 each year. Cardholders will get a notice in the mail about renewal. For more information visit ontario.ca/seniors/dental (external link) under the ‘Renew your yearly coverage’ section.

What can I expect from the program?

A dental professional will provide an exam and treatment plan based on your need. The most urgent conditions will be treated first.

There is an annual per-client maximum value for dental services, and coverage is limited to program offerings.

For more information about the services covered by the program, please visit ontario.ca/SeniorsDental (external link)