Dental Programs
Canada Dental Benefit
The interim Canada Dental Benefit is intended to help lower dental costs for eligible families earning less than $90,000 per year. Parents and guardians may be eligible if they pay for dental care for a child under 12 years old who does not have access to a private dental insurance plan.
Depending on your adjusted family net income, a tax-free payment of $260, $390, or $650 is available for each eligible child. You can apply for a maximum of two payments per child.
Applications are open until June 30, 2024 for:
- dental care received between July 1, 2023 and June 30, 2024
- one additional payment if you meet the criteria
Families may be eligible if:
- their child(ren) is under the age of 12 as of July 1, 2023
- their adjusted family net income is less than $90,000
- they do not have access to private dental insurance and
- their dental care expenses are not fully covered by another dental program provided by any level of government.
Healthy Smiles Ontario
Healthy Smiles Ontario is a free dental program that includes regular check-ups, preventive care, and treatment for children and youth 17 and under.
Services include:
- X-rays
- Fillings
- If necessary, removal of teeth
- Cleanings
- Fluoride treatment
- Pit and fissure sealants
- Mouth guard fittings
Dental Screening Program
Dental screening is a quick look at the teeth and surrounding gums. A registered dental hygienist performs the screening using a sterilized dental mirror. They offer screenings once a year to all publicly funded schools. You can also request a screening from the Durham Region Health Department’s Oral Health Clinic.
They’ll send a note home with your child if they find any issues with recommendations about dental services your child needs.
A dental screening does not replace a regular check-up by a dentist.
If you received a note from the school dental screening program and want to book an appointment, please call 1-866-853-1326 ext. 4567.
Durham Region Health Department Oral Health Clinic
The Durham Region Health Department’s Oral Health Clinic is free for any child in the Healthy Smiles Ontario program. Also, any parent that has a concern about their child’s dental health can call and book an appointment for a free dental screening help with applying to the program.
Oral Health Clinic location:
1615 Dundas Street East, Suite 210
Whitby, Ontario
LIN 2L1
1-866-853-1326 ext. 4567
Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Ontario Seniors Dental Care Program
Ontario’s Seniors Dental Care Program covers basic dental care including services such as examinations, x-rays, preventive services, fillings, extractions and denture care for eligible seniors.
To be eligible for the Ontario Seniors Dental Care Program you must:
- Be an Ontario resident over 65 years of age with 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.
- Not have access to any other form of dental benefits (e.g. private insurance or other government program).
How do you apply?
You can reach the Durham Region Health Department by phone or email and they will send you an application and help you to submit it. You can also visit their office in person and they will help you complete your application.
Health Department
Oral Health Division
1615 Dundas Street East
Whitby, Ontario L1N 2L1
Telephone: 905-723-1365
Toll-Free: 1-866-853-1326
Apply online
You can also complete your application online at Ontario.ca/SeniorsDental. Your forms must be printed, signed and mailed to the province. If you are part of a couple, each of you will have to complete and sign a separate form.
Where will I get my dental care?
Most of your treatment will be provided at the Durham Region Health Department Oral Health Clinic location:
1615 Dundas Street East, Suite 210
Whitby, Ontario LIN 2L1
1-866-853-1326 ext. 4567
Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.