Don’t worry anymore if you are a senior in Ontario and can’t pay for your dental care services. The Ontario Seniors Dental Care Program (OSDCP) will help you receive routine dental care services (such as tooth extraction) for free. If you meet the eligibility criteria, you can easily apply for this program. In this article, we will check if you’re eligible for OSDCP and teach you how you can apply.
What is the Ontario Seniors Dental Care Program (OSDCP)?
The Ontario Seniors Dental Care Program (OSDCP) is a benefit program funded by the government. Based on this program, seniors who are 65 or older and have a low income can use this program to cover various free, routine dental care services. Remember that this is separate from the Canadian Dental Care Program (CDCP). You can use either one, but you can’t combine the benefits.
Read more: “Eligibility & Benefits of the Dental Plan for Seniors in Canada”
Are You Eligible for OSDCP?
Before you apply for the Ontario Seniors Dental Care Program, you need to know whether you are eligible to receive the benefit. You must:
- Be 65 years old or older.
- Be a resident of Ontario.
- Have an annual net income of $25,000 or less for a single person, or a combined annual net income of $41,500 or less for a couple.
- Have no access to other forms of dental benefits, whether through government programs or private insurance.
Want to learn more about CDCP dental coverage and how to apply? We will walk you through the steps to free dental care.
Need Affordable Dental Care or Help Understanding Your Coverage?
At Walk In Family Dentistry, we assist patients, especially seniors, in accessing the right dental programs and receiving quality care without financial worry. If you need guidance on the Ontario Seniors Dental Care Program or have a dental concern, we’re here to help.
What Services Does OSDCP Cover?
Not all dental services are covered by the Ontario Seniors Dental Care Program. Here are the services that seniors can receive for free with this program:
- Check-ups, including scaling, fluoride, and polishing
- Repairing broken teeth and cavities (dental filling)
- X-rays
- Removing teeth or abnormal tissue (oral surgery)
- Anesthesia
- Treatment for infection and pain (endodontic services)
- Treatment for gum conditions and diseases (periodontal services)
- Dentures (partially covered)
Are you worried about the high costs of dental services in Canada? Here, we will talk about the best dental insurances in Canada to help you make the best decision.
How to Apply for the Ontario Seniors Dental Care Program
Now that you know the eligibility criteria of the OSDCP and the services it covers, let’s walk you through how you can apply. You can either apply online or by mail:
Apply Online
There are two ways to apply to the program online:
- Method 1: Complete the online application and provide the applicable eSignature(s).
- Method 2: Complete the online application. Print it, fill it out, and then mail in the consent form. You should mail the completed consent form within 30 days to:
Ontario Seniors Dental Care Program
Station P, P.O. Box 159
Toronto, Ontario
M5S 2S7
Apply by Mail
Download the application form and print it. You can also get one in person from your local public health unit. Fill out the application form and mail it to:
Ontario Seniors Dental Care Program
Station P, P.O. Box 159
Toronto, Ontario
M5S 2S7
Note: Remember that your coverage period is up to one year, and it will end on July 31st every year. Usually, your eligibility will be automatically verified to confirm enrollment for the next period.
What Happens After You Apply for the OSDCP?
They will inform you by phone and/or mail if there are any issues with your application. If they approve your application, you will receive a welcome package and a dental card in the mail that will expire on July 31st. You can access dental services through Public Health Units, Partner Community Health Centres, or Partner Aboriginal Health Access Centres.
Do you have a low income and can’t afford dental services? We will help you find a dentist for low-income patients to keep your teeth healthy without overspending.
Cover Dental Emergencies for Seniors with OSDCP
Nowadays, the costs of dental services are skyrocketing. However, seniors in Ontario can easily access free, routine dental care through the Ontario Seniors Dental Care Program. They can apply if they’re eligible and receive their card in no time. If you’re experiencing a dental emergency, Walk In Family Dentistry offers skilled emergency dentists in North York who will make you feel safe and supported.
FAQ
Do seniors in Ontario get free dental services?
They can use either the Ontario Seniors Dental Care Program (OSDCP) or the Canadian Dental Care Program (CDCP) to receive free, routine dental care services if they meet the required criteria.
Am I eligible for the OSDCP?
You are eligible for the OSDCP if you are 65 years old or older, you are a resident of Ontario, you meet the income requirement ($25,000 or less for a single person, $41,500 or less for a couple), and you have no access to any other form of dental benefits, including private insurance or through government programs
Do I have to reapply for the program when it ends?
Not every time. Usually, your eligibility will be verified automatically every year to confirm enrollment for the next period. You must reapply if you applied using a guarantor, or if you do not file taxes for the most recent tax years for which your eligibility is being determined.
What services are covered by the OSDCP?
Check-ups, repairing broken teeth and cavities, x-rays, oral surgery (removing teeth or abnormal tissue), anesthesia, endodontic (infection and pain treatment), periodontal services (gum disease treatment), and dentures (partially covered).
Have questions about the Ontario Seniors Dental Care Program or your eligibility? Share your thoughts in the comments. We’re here to help you understand your options.
