Ontario has announced free routine dental care for seniors with low income.
Residents 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.
Eligible seniors can apply to the program online, or by picking up an application form at a local public health unit.
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.
The province is investing some $90 million annually for the new Ontario Seniors Dental Care Program (OSDCP), which will provide free routine dental care for eligible low-income seniors across the province, said a media release.
The provincial government said the program is part of its plan to end hallway health care.
“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 Ford.
Quick Facts
- 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).
