In order to be eligible, a person must:

• Be a resident of Ontario
• Be age 65 or older
• Have an annual net income of $19,300 or less for a single person, or a combined annual net income of $32,300 or less for a couple
• Have no access to any other form of dental benefits (e.g., through private insurance or other government programs)

Eligibility for the Ontario Seniors Dental Care Program will be based on a senior’s net income (line 236 from your income tax form). Net income measures the sum of all income potentially subject to tax, including but not limited to employment income, investment income, pension income (including CPP), and government social support payments (e.g., OAS, Guaranteed Income Supplement, Social Assistance) less non-discretionary expenses associated with earning income (e.g., union dues, professional fees) and pension contributions (e.g., RRSP contributions or contributions to a Registered Pension Plan).

There are several options available for seniors applying to the OSDCP.

• Seniors can fill out an application form online on the website of the Ministry of Health at Ontario.ca/SeniorsDental.
• Print, fill out, and mail the OSDCP application.
• Obtain a paper copy and/or get support with completing an application at the Community Dental Health Clinic of Peterborough Public Health, 185 King Street, Peterborough.

A provincial processing centre will handle all of the completed application forms and will verify the applicant’s income. Eligible seniors will receive a dental card in the mail confirming their enrolment in the program.

Seniors may call the OSDCP’s bilingual (English/French) contact centre for questions and support through the application process.

Call: 416-916-0204

Toll-Free: 1-833-207-4435

TTY: 1-800-855-0511

A provincial processing centre will handle all of the completed application forms and will verify the applicant’s income. Eligible seniors will receive a dental card in the mail confirming their enrolment in the program.

Dental services covered under this program will include the following:

• Examinations/assessments
• Preventive services (e.g., cleanings)
• Restorative services to repair broken teeth and cavities
• X-rays
• Oral surgery services to remove teeth or abnormal tissue
• Anaesthesia
• Endodontic services to treat infection and pain
• Periodontal services to treat gum conditions and diseases.

Prosthodontic services, including dentures, will also be covered to a certain extent under the OSDCP, but the Community Dental Health Clinic at Peterborough Public Health is not currently offering these services. 

Similarly, endodontic services and oral surgery services will be developed in the future for local delivery.

A senior may apply to the OSDCP through the main application process and use the online portal if they, and their spouse (if applicable):

·       Have a Social Insurance Number (SIN) or Temporary Taxation Number; and

·       Have filed a Personal Tax Return with Canada Revenue Agency for the most recent tax year

A senior may apply to the OSDCP via a Guarantor using the Guarantor Form. The Guarantor will confirm that you meet the eligibility requirements of the Program. This form must be printed, filled out and mailed to the OSDCP, or a hardcopy form may be picked up at Public Health.

A Guarantor must be a person that;

·       Is a Canadian Citizen and 18 years of age or older

·       Can confirm the identity of the applicant and if applicable, their spouse/common law partner and the identity, age and Ontario residency of the client(s).

Is a member of a regulated profession (e.g. dentist, teacher, nurse, doctor, lawyer) or other specified profession (e.g. mayor, professor). Please visit www.ontario.ca/seniorsdental for a list of acceptable guarantors

Yes, OSDCP-eligible clients may be able to access limited services without a dental card, but you will still need to enrol in the OSDCP to receive additional services.  You can call the Community Dental Health Clinic to make an appointment at 705-743-1000 Ext 265.  You will need to fill in an Eligibility Form to say you are eligible to receive emergency care under the program.

Contact the Community Dental Health Clinic at 705-743-1000, Ext 265, to make an appointment.  The dental card must be presented at the time of the appointment.

Public Health continues to advocate for equitable access to oral health care for all.

Some seniors may be eligible to receive limited funding for emergency dental treatment through the Dental Treatment Assistance Fund.  To inquire if you are eligible, please call 705-743-1003, ext. 265.

A senior may also call dental offices in their area to see if they offer payment plans or reduced fees for those without insurance.