OHIP does not cover dental care, but the Ontario Seniors Dental Care Program provides free routine dental services for low-income seniors 65 and over. Cleanings, fillings, extractions, and X-rays at no cost. Dentures are partially covered.
Single senior: annual net income of $25,000 or less
Senior couple: combined annual net income of $41,500 or less
You have no access to any other form of dental benefits (private insurance, ODSP, Ontario Works, or Non-Insured Health Benefits)
CDCP exception: Having the federal Canadian Dental Care Plan does not disqualify you from the OSDCP. You can be enrolled in both programs, although you cannot use both for the same dental visit. Choose one program per visit.
Net income is the total of all income after taxes and deductions (line 236 on your tax return). It includes employment income, investment income, pension income (CPP), and government payments (OAS, GIS, GAINS), minus deductions like RRSP contributions and union dues.
If you have a spouse, both applications must be submitted separately, even if you are applying at the same time.
What the Program Covers
Fully covered (no cost to you):
Dental check-ups and exams
Cleanings (scaling, polishing, and fluoride treatment)
Fillings
Extractions (tooth removal)
Root canals
Periodontal treatment (gum disease)
Dental X-rays
Partially covered:
•Dentures and other dental prosthetics are partially covered. The program pays a portion and you pay the rest. The exact split depends on the type of prosthetic. Ask your OSDCP dental provider for specific details before starting work.
Not covered:
Cosmetic procedures (teeth whitening, veneers)
Dental implants
Orthodontic treatment (braces)
Some covered services have frequency limits based on clinical guidelines. For example, you may be limited to a certain number of cleanings per year. Your dental provider will inform you of any limits that apply.
How to Apply
1Apply online at ontario.ca/SeniorsDental, or pick up a paper form from your local public health unit.
2Provide your Social Insurance Number (SIN). The program uses your SIN to verify your income with the CRA from your most recent tax return. If you do not have a SIN or have not filed taxes, use the guarantor application form (Form 5126E) instead.
3Sign and submit the application. The form requires your signature in two places. Make sure both are completed or the application will be returned.
4Wait for your dental card. If approved, you receive a welcome package and an OSDCP dental card by mail. This card confirms your enrollment and must be presented at every dental visit.
5Find a participating dental provider. Contact your local public health unit to find OSDCP providers in your area. Not every dentist participates in the program.
6Book your appointment. Some areas have waitlists for OSDCP dental appointments due to high demand. Call early.
If you need help with the application, your local public health unit has staff who can walk you through the form, verify your documents, and even submit it for you. Call them before trying to do it alone.
OSDCP vs Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP)
Two dental programs exist for seniors. They are run by different levels of government and have different rules.
🦷 OSDCP (Ontario)
Free for qualifying seniors
Provincial program. For seniors 65+ with income under $25,000 single / $41,500 couple and no other dental coverage. Free routine care. Partially covers dentures. Apply at ontario.ca. Services through public health units and participating providers.
🍁 CDCP (Federal)
Co-pay varies income-based
Federal program. For Canadians with household income under $90,000 without private insurance. Covers cleanings, fillings, extractions, dentures, and more. Co-pay depends on income tier. Apply at canada.ca. Uses participating private dental offices across Canada.
You can have both OSDCP and CDCP, but you cannot use both for the same dental visit. At each appointment, choose one program to cover the cost. If OSDCP covers a service fully, use that. If OSDCP does not cover something (like certain prosthetics), you may be able to use CDCP for that visit instead.
Coverage Period and Renewal
The OSDCP benefit year runs August 1 to July 31. Once enrolled, your coverage lasts for up to one year. Before the end of each benefit year, the OSDCP program administrator (Accerta) automatically reassesses your eligibility based on your most recent tax return.
If you still meet the income and eligibility requirements, your coverage is renewed automatically. If your income has increased above the threshold, your coverage ends and you are notified by mail.
If you did not file taxes for the most recent year, your auto-renewal may be affected. File your taxes on time every year to ensure uninterrupted coverage.
Frequently Asked Questions
I do not have a Social Insurance Number. Can I still apply? +
Yes. If you do not have a SIN or have not filed taxes, use the Ontario Seniors Dental Care Program Application through Guarantor Form (Form 5126E). A guarantor confirms that you meet the income and eligibility requirements. The form is available at your local public health unit.
I have the Canadian Dental Care Plan. Am I still eligible for OSDCP? +
Yes. Having CDCP does not disqualify you from OSDCP. However, you cannot use both programs for the same dental appointment. Choose one per visit. If OSDCP fully covers a service, it is often the better choice since there is no co-pay. For services OSDCP does not fully cover (like certain prosthetics), CDCP may offer additional coverage.
Can I go to any dentist with this program? +
No. You must use a dental provider participating in the OSDCP. Many public health units operate their own dental clinics for this program. Some private dental offices also participate. Contact your local public health unit for a list of participating providers in your area.
How much do dentures cost under this program? +
The OSDCP partially covers dentures. The program pays a portion and you pay the rest. The exact amount depends on the type of denture (full vs partial, upper vs lower). Ask your OSDCP dental provider for an estimate before starting the work so you know your out-of-pocket cost upfront.
I just turned 65 and do not qualify for OSDCP because my income is too high. What are my options? +
If your income is above $25,000 (single) or $41,500 (couple), check the federal Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP). It covers Canadians with household income under $90,000 who do not have private dental insurance. The CDCP has a sliding co-pay scale: lower income means lower co-pays. Apply at canada.ca.
My spouse is 62. Can they get coverage through OSDCP? +
No. The OSDCP is only for individuals 65 and older. Your spouse would need to wait until they turn 65 to apply. In the meantime, they may qualify for the federal CDCP if they have no private insurance and meet the income threshold.
