April is Oral Health Month in Canada, and Grey Bruce Public Health is using this opportunity to highlight the government-funded programs in place to assist eligible children, youth, and seniors from low-income households with the cost of dental services.

Both Healthy Smiles Ontario and the Ontario Seniors Dental Care Program cover the cost of routine and restorative services for qualifying patients. These services are available at Public Health dental clinics in Owen Sound, Markdale, Walkerton, and Wiarton. Appointments are required.

“Grey Bruce Public Health is happy to be able to provide these important oral health services at four locations throughout Grey-Bruce,” says Jason Weppler, Manager of GBPH’s Oral Health program.

“Last September, we opened the doors to a state-of-the-art, fully renovated, permanent dental clinic in Walkerton. The space is bright, cheery, and inviting and equipped with a full slate of dental amenities to meet our clients’ needs. In addition, our dental clinics in both Owen Sound and Markdale have also been upgraded, offering refreshed clinical spaces and the latest equipment.”

Healthy Smiles Ontario is a government-funded program that covers the cost of eligible preventive, routine, and emergency dental services for children and youth aged 17 and under from lower-income families in need of support. These services include:

• Check-ups
• Cleanings
• Fillings
• X-rays
• Scaling
• Tooth extractions
• Urgent or emergency dental care (including treatment of a child’s toothache or tooth pain). 

The Ontario Seniors Dental Care Program covers the cost of eligible dental services for seniors aged 65 and older who meet income requirements and do not have access to other forms of dental benefits. Coverage includes:

• Check-ups, including scaling, fluoride, and polishing;
• Repairing broken teeth and cavities;
• X-rays;
• Removing teeth or abnormal tissue (oral surgery);
• Anesthesia;
• Treating infection and pain;
• Treating gum conditions and diseases; and
• Dentures (nominal co-payment may be required).

In addition to the Ontario Seniors Dental Care Program, the Canadian Dental Care Plan also assists seniors, children, and individuals with disabilities with the cost of oral health services. Qualifying patients can receive services covered by the federal program at any private dental clinic that accepts CDCP clients. GBPH clinics do not provide services covered by the CDCP.

Application forms for Healthy Smiles Ontario are available at Grey Bruce Public Health, 101 17th St. E. in Owen Sound, or any Service Ontario office. Applications can also be completed online at ontario.ca/healthysmiles.

Applications for the Ontario Seniors Dental Care Program are available at Grey Bruce Public Health, the South East Grey Community Health Centre, 55 Victoria Ave. in Markdale, or online at the following link: Seniors Dental.

For more information about either program, please call GBPH’s Oral Health team at 519-376-9420 and press 8.