You may be able to receive dental care for children and adults who are Ontario Works recipients, belong to low-income families or are recipients of the Ontario Disability Support Program.
Dental services for seniors
The Ontario Seniors Dental Care Program is a government-funded dental care program. It provides free, routine dental services for low-income seniors who are 65 years of age or older. To learn more about this program and how to apply, visit ontario.ca/seniorsdental.
Dental services for adults
- Urgent dental care is provided for social assistance (Ontario Works) recipients and low-income adults who qualify for Essential Health and Social Supports (EHSS)
- Adults are assessed by a City dental clinic to determine treatment
- Denture services covered under the Community Denture program may be provided however, the service must be pre-approved at a City dental clinic
Dental services for children
Healthy Smiles Ontario (HSO)
Healthy Smiles Ontario (HSO) is a free dental program that covers regular and emergency dental care for children 17 and under.
Who is eligible?
Children and youth 17 and under may be eligible if they are:
- Residents of Ontario
- Meet the income eligibility requirements
If your family is covered by Ontario Works or Ontario Disability Support Program, your children 17 and under are automatically enrolled in the Healthy Smiles Ontario program. You will receive a Healthy Smiles Ontario dental card in the mail. The dental card must be presented to your dental provider at each dental visit.
What services are covered?
- Regular visits to a licensed dental provider, such as a dentist or dental hygienist
- Dental services including check-ups, tooth cleaning, fillings and extractions
How do I enroll?
- Apply online on the Healthy Smiles Ontario website
- Call ServiceOntario INFOline toll-free at 1-844-296-6306 (TTY toll-free at 1-800-387-5559)
Once enrollment is confirmed you will receive an HSO dental card. The dental card must be presented to your dental provider at each visit to receive dental care under the program.
How do I access urgent or emergency dental care?
If your child is enrolled in the HSO program, contact your dentist.
If your child is not yet enrolled in the HSO program, call your dentist to find out if they participate in HSO and book and emergency dental appointment.
If you don't have a dentist or your dentist does not participate in the HSO program, you can:
- Visit the Ottawa Dental Society or call 613-523-3876 to find a list of dentists
- Call the Ottawa Public Health Dental Information Line at 613-580-6744, ext. 23510
Where to get dental care:
Ontario Works recipients
Contact a City dental clinic. Adults must go to one of the City's dental clinics. Children can receive care at any dentist that accepts HSO clients.
Low-income individuals
Low-income families and individuals can apply for Essential Health and Social Supports for dental care. To apply:
Call 3-1-1 between 8:45 am and 4 pm
- Select 1 for English or 2 for service in French
- Select 4 for Social Services
If your application is approved, the City dental clinics will provide you with care.
Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) recipients
ODSP issues dental cards directly to adults. You may see any private dentist who accepts ODSP. For more information, or to receive a dental card, contact you ODSP worker.
Children on ODSP are covered by the HSO program.
City dental clinics
- 40 Cobourg Street (Le Patro) Tel: 613-580-9633
- 400-1580 Merivale Road Tel: 613-580-9631
Go to Dental Health on the Ottawa Public Health site for more information and resources