Free Dental Care Ontario for Adults: The Most Comprehensive Guide You Will Need in 2024
As global inflation rises, it has become more difficult than ever to pay for certain expenses, especially if you fall within the low-income bracket.
Unfortunately, Canada doesn't cover dental care in its healthcare system. However, in recent years, the federal and provincial Government has been keen on addressing this issue by implementing dental programs in Canada.
So, if you need dental work but have no money in Canada, then you can opt for free dental care Ontario for adults.
Our dentists in Kitchener have created a comprehensive guide for you to understand free dental care for low-income adults in Ontario.
Ontario Health Insurance Plan: Does OHIP Cover Dental?
Many people have this misconception that OHIP also covers dental care in Ontario, but that couldn’t be further from the truth.
OHIP doesn't cover dental care for kids or adults. However, the exceptions to this rule are fracture repair, jaw reconstruction or jaw bone surgery, or tumor removal.
The Canadian Government has realized the impact of excluding dental care from medical coverage, and in recent years, new programs have been launched to cover dental care, which we will discuss in detail.
Canadian Dental Care Plan 2024: The Latest Free Dental Care for Low-Income Adults in Ontario by the Canadian Government
The Canadian Government launched the Canadian Dental Care Plan 2024 to ease financial barriers that restrict access to oral healthcare. Now, Canadian residents can opt for this free dental care Ontario for adults.
Please note that applications for this plan will open in phases. Our dentists in Waterloo have provided the rest of the information below.
Who Qualifies for the New Canadian Dental Plan 2024: CDCP Eligibility Criteria
People who meet the following eligibility criteria will qualify for the new Canadian Dental Plan. To be eligible for this plan, you must:
a) Be a Canadian resident for tax purposes
b) Have an adjusted family net income of less than $90,000
c) Not have access to any dental insurance
d) Have filed your tax returns in the previous year
You will have to meet all of these criteria to qualify for the Canadian Dental Plan. On the other hand, if you have government-funded dental coverage, then you may still qualify for CDCP eligibility.
Once you meet the criteria, your dental coverage will be coordinated between both plans to guarantee there are no gaps or duplicate coverage.
Canadian Dental Care Plan Application Schedule
CDCP is a new initiative, and the applications will be open in different phases. You must check your eligibility criteria and then apply if the application phase is open.
Here is the Canadian Dental Care Plan Application schedule for 2024:
· CDCP application for seniors of 65 and above: Applications began in December 2023
· Application for adults with a valid Disability Tax Credit Certificate: Starts June 2024
· CDCP application for children under 18: Starts June 2024
· Remaining Canadian residents who are eligible: Starts 2025
How to Apply for a Canadian Dental Care Plan Application?
Seniors can apply for free dental care for low-income adults through the CDCP without requiring an invitation letter. Please note that before you can apply for CDCP, you and your common-law partner or spouse must have filed your tax return for 2023 and received your Notice of Assessment.
Before you apply, you will have to provide information about you and your spouse or common-law partner, which includes the following:
· Date of Birth
· Social Insurance Number (SIN)
· Mailing and home address
· Full name
· List of dental coverage you have available through social programs (if it applies)
Once you have this information, you can apply online here.
Canadian Dental Care Plan Application Status Check
If you want to access information about your CDCP application, you will have to provide your:
· Client Number or Application Code
· And SIN or any other personal information the CDCP has about you on file to ensure identity verification
You can also call 1-833-537-4342 to check the CDCP application status.
Confirmation of CDCP Enrolment
Once you have filled your CDCP application, you will require confirmation for your qualification. Sun Life is managing the CDCP for the Canadian Government.
However, the Canadian Government will first determine your qualifications and then share your information with Sun Life. Then, they will enroll you into this plan.
Once this is confirmed, Sun Life will welcome you to the plan by mailing you the following items:
· Information about the Canadian Dental Care Plan
· Your CDCP membership card
· The start date of your dental coverage
The start date will depend on when you applied and when your enrolment is complete. After that, you can begin visiting an oral healthcare provider.
Canadian Dental Care Plan Providers
You can check the Canadian Dental Care Plan providers here, depending on your region and other factors.
From July 8, 2024, oral healthcare providers will also be able to directly bill their clients to Sun Life for services provided. This will work on a claim-by-claim basis without you formally signing up for the CDCP application.
So, you can visit a dentist in Ontario of your choice, and if they agree to direct bill Sun Life, then you can benefit from this plan. However, any claims before July 8 will only ne processes from a participating provider.
Dental Services Covered Under the CDCP
The CDCP aims to cover a wide range of oral health services. Some examples of services covered under the CDCP include the following:
· Preventive services
· Restorative services
· Diagnostic services
· Prosthodontic services
· Endodontic services
· Oral surgery services
· Periodontal services
Please note that under the CDCP, some oral healthcare services will have to be preauthorized. This is where the oral health care provider will confirm whether the treatment will be covered under the plan before the treatment is provided.
However, services that require this pre-approval will become available on November 2-24.
Canadian Dental Care Plan Fee Guide
The Canadian Dental Care Plan will reimburse a percentage of the cost based on the CDCP fee and your net family income.
However, you will have to pay additional charges to the oral healthcare provider directly if:
· The costs of your oral healthcare services are more than the CDCP fees
· Your net family income is between $70,000 and $89,999
· You and your oral healthcare provider have agreed to services that the plan doesn’t cover
You might also have a co-payment, depending on your family net income. This is the percentage of the CDCP fees that they do not cover, and you will have to pay it directly to your oral healthcare provider.
This is what you need to know about the co-payments:
a. If your adjusted family net income is less than $70,000, then CDCP will cover 100% of eligible oral healthcare service costs. And you will face 0% of the fees. Additional charges may be applicable depending on a few factors discussed below.
b. If your adjusted family net income is between $70,000 and $79,999, then CDCP will cover 60% of eligible oral healthcare service costs. You will cover 40% of the fees. Additional charges may be applicable, depending on a few factors discussed below.
c. If your adjusted family net income is between $80,000 and $89,999, then CDCP will cover 40% of eligible oral healthcare service costs. You will cover 60% of the fees. Additional charges may be applicable, depending on a few factors discussed below.
Please note that you might have to pay additional charges if the cost of your oral healthcare services is more than what the CDCP will reimburse based on their established fees.
Another scenario where you might have to pay additional charges is if you agree to receive dental care that the plan doesn’t cover.
Other Free Dental Care for Low-Income Adults in Ontario: Top Five Options
Canadian dental programs can vary depending on the province in which you live. However, if you are a low-income adult in Ontario, then you can benefit from these programs for yourself or your kids:
Free Dental Care Ontario Option 1: Healthy Smiles Ontario (For Kids)
If you have kids, then this is the best free dental care for low-income adults with kids in Ontario. Healthy Smiles Ontario is a program implemented by the Ontario Government.
It offers preventive dental services, emergency services, and free routine services for children who are 17 years or younger and they come from low-income households.
Services Covered by Healthy Smiles Ontario
Healthy Smiles Ontario doesn’t cover services such as braces, cosmetic dentistry procedures, or teeth whitening. However, if you go to a Kitchener dentist with this plan, then you can use this to cover the price of the following procedures:
· Emergency or urgent care
· Routine checkups
· X-rays
· Teeth cleaning
· Scaling
· Fillings for cavities
· Tooth extraction
Healthy Smiles Ontario Eligibility
If your child is receiving Temporary Care Assistance or Assistance for Children with Severe Disabilities, then they will be automatically enrolled into the Healthy Smiles Ontario Program.
Even if you are receiving Ontario Disability or Ontario Works Support, then your child will automatically be eligible for Healthy Smiles Ontario.
If you don’t fall within the aforementioned category, then here are some eligibility criteria your child will have to fulfill so you can receive free dental care in Ontario for your kids:
· The child must be residing in Ontario
· The child must be 17 years or below
· Meet the Healthy Smiles Ontario income eligibility based on information from July 2023 set by the program:
a. 1 dependent child in a household with a family net income of $26,551 or below
b. 2 dependent children in a household with a family net income of $28,560 or below
c. 3 dependent children in a household with a family net income of $30,568 or below
d. 4 dependent children in a household with a family net income of $32,577 or below
e. 5 dependent children in a household with a family net income of $34,586 or below
f. 6 dependent children in a household with a family net income of $36,595 or below
g. 7 dependent children in a household with a family net income of $38,603 or below
h. 8 dependent children in a household with a family net income of $40,612 or below
i. 9 dependent children in a household with a family net income of $42,621 or below
j. 10 dependent children in a household with a family net income of $44,630 or below. You can add $2,009 for each additional dependent child you have to determine the income level for your family to qualify for this program
How to Apply for Healthy Smiles Ontario Online
If you meet the eligibility criteria for free dental care for low-income adults with kids, you can fill out the Healthy Smiles Ontario application online. Here are the steps you must follow to fill out your application:
· Have information ready with you, which includes your child or children’s date of birth, a valid address in Ontario, tax filings for the previous year, and your Social Insurance Number or Temporary Taxation Number
· Fill out the Healthy Smiles Ontario application form pdf
· If you have a common-law partner or spouse, they must be with you to fill out this application
· You will have to enter an electronic signature when the application ends
· You must provide your email address, and your spouse or common-law partner must have a different email address than you
How to Apply for Healthy Smiles Ontario by Mail
You can also apply for Healthy Smiles Ontario by mail. You will have to download, print, and then fill out the General Application Form.
Once that is complete, you must mail the complete form to the Healthy Smiles Ontario address: 33 King Street West, PO Box 645, Oshawa, Ontario L1H 8X1.
Coverage Period of Healthy Smiles Ontario
It is crucial to understand the coverage period of Healthy Smiles Ontario to determine when your child will receive support. Generally, once your child is enrolled in this program, they will be covered until:
· One benefit year (August 1 of the current year to July 31 of the following year)
· The 18th birthday of your child. If your child turns 18 during the dental benefit year, then they will not be eligible anymore
Moreover, if your child is enrolled for essential or emergency care, then they will be enrolled for twelve months from the enrollment date. Then, you must re-enroll your child after twelve months.
Free Dental Care Ontario Option 2: Canada Dental Benefit
The Canada Dental Benefit began receiving and processing applications and payments for this program on December 1, 2022, making it a relatively new program for free dental care for low-income adults in Canada.
It is an interim support measure that was initiated by the CRA (Canada Revenue Agency).
The benefit provides two payments over two years for kids who are under the age of 12 and receiving dental care that their guardian or parent is paying for without any private dental insurance.
Canada Dental Benefit for Adults Eligibility
If you are a guardian or parent of a kid, then you will only qualify for this benefit if you have filed the tax returns of the previous year and you are receiving the CCB (Canada Child Benefit) for each eligible child within your care.
Children who are also covered by other government dental programs can also be eligible for this benefit. However, this will only be the case if their dental costs have not been paid by the government dental program.
Even when you claim the Canada Dental Benefit, you will have to provide details about your dentist in Kitchener or your dental professional and employer. Doing this will help the CRA to verify whether you are eligible for the benefit or not.
Canada Dental Benefit 2024 Application and Payments
Applications for the Canada Dental Benefit are open until June 30, 2024, this year for dental care received between July 1, 2023, and June 30, 2024. The application is also open for one additional payment if you meet the criteria.
You will have to apply through your CRA account, so be sure to sign in to begin the application process.
To understand how much you can receive from the Canada Dental Benefit Program, here is what you need to know:
· For an adjusted family net income of less than $70,000, you can get $650.
· For an adjusted family net income between $70,000 and $79,999, you can get $390.
· For an adjusted family net income of $80,000 and $89,999, you can get $260.
· For an adjusted family net income of $90,000 or more, you will not be eligible.
To understand the Canada Dental Benefit payments in more detail, we recommend you go through the official website to clear any queries you may have.
Free Dental Care Ontario Option 3: OSDCP (Ontario Seniors Dental Care Program)
The OSDCP is one of the best free dental programs for seniors in Ontario. The program has been created to provide free routine dental services for seniors who are 65 years or older and earning a low income.
Ontario Government launched this initiative in 2019 to ensure free dental care for seniors without insurance. It also aims to improve the overall well-being of seniors so that their quality of life is not hindered by oral health problems.
Please note that you can’t access this program at your regular dentist in Kitchener as dental services under this program are only provided by Aboriginal Health Access Centres, Community Health Centres, and Public Health Units.
Eligibility Criteria for the Ontario Seniors Dental Care Program
If you want to qualify for the Ontario Seniors Dental Care Program, then you must fulfill this criteria:
· Be 65 years or over
· You must not have any other type of dental benefits, such as private insurance or benefits under other government-funded programs by the country
· You must be an Ontario resident
· You must have a net income of $22,000 or less if you are a single senior
· You must have a combined annual net income of $37,100 or less if you are a senior couple
Ontario Seniors Dental Care Program Online Application
If you meet the eligibility criteria, then you can begin your Ontario Seniors Dental Care Program online application process. You can complete the online application form and then print, sign, and mail the application to this address:
Ministry of Health, Ontario Seniors Dental Care Program, Station PPO Box 159, Toronto, ON M5S 2S7.
On the other hand, you can also pick up the application from a local public health unit and fill it and mail in person.
What Benefits Will You Receive Under the Ontario Seniors Dental Care Program?
When your application for the Ontario Seniors Dental Care Program is accepted, you will receive coverage for the following:
· X-rays
· Repairing cavities or broken teeth
· Oral surgery, such as abnormal tissue or teeth removal
· Anesthesia
· Routine checkups
· Scaling, polishing, fluoride
· Pain and infection treatment
· Gum disease and condition treatments
Please note that this program only partially covers dental prosthetics such as dentures and the like. However, you will receive full coverage for the services we have mentioned above.
For more information regarding denture payments, you can go through this Ontario Seniors Dental Care Program fee guide to help you understand the costs better.
Dental Coverage Period for the OSDCP
While the OSDCP is great dental care for seniors without insurance, the coverage period is of one year only. After that, you will have to renew your coverage to be eligible for free dental care Ontario.
Your dental coverage under this program will end on July 31 each year, regardless of when you enroll. So, be sure to enroll on time and renew the application each year to receive maximum dental benefits.
Free Dental Care Ontario Option 4: Ontario Disability Support Program
The Ontario Disability Support Program is free dental care for low-income adults who have a significant mental or physical disability. It is an initiative to provide basic dental services to adults with disabilities and their spouses.
If you have children, then they will automatically be eligible for Healthy Smiles Ontario. You can get in touch with your caseworker for more details on this.
Services that come under this free dental coverage include the following:
· Root canals
· Exams
· Tooth removal
· Fillings
· Cleaning
If you want more information regarding this, we recommend you contact your case worker to walk you through the process of receiving free dental care Ontario for adults under this program.
Free Dental Care Ontario Option 5: Ontario Works Dental Coverage for Adults
Ontario Works is known for providing employment and income support to people who require temporary financial assistance. If you are already receiving this support, then you and your family might also be eligible for some health-related benefits.
Here are the eligibility criteria to qualify for Ontario Works:
· You must be living in Ontario
· There must be willingness on your part to partake in activities that will help you find employment
· You must need money immediately to help make payments for shelter and food
The criteria for assessing your eligibility will depend on your financial situation and how willing you are to find employment. When you apply for this free dental care Ontario for adults, you will have to provide information regarding your housing costs, net income, assets, and family size.
Then, Ontario Works will decide whether you are eligible for the coverage or not. They offer oral surgery, prosthodontics, periodontal, endodontic, restorative, and preventive dental coverage.
You can talk to your caseworker for more information regarding Ontario Works Dental Coverage for adults.
Federal Government-Funded Dental Care Ontario Programs
We went through the provincial programs in Ontario for free dental care Ontario for adults. However, there are also government-funded dental care Ontario programs you can opt for.
Our dentists in Kitchener have explained each one in detail to help you determine what free dental coverage in Ontario will work best for you:
Option 1: IFHP (Interim Federal Health Program)
The Government of Canada provides IFHP Certificates to refugees when they arrive in Canada at their entry point. Please note that this is free dental care for refugees that only covers basic emergency dental services.
Emergency procedures are defined as ones that reduce active infection, pain, hemorrhage, and oral trauma. Routine dental care services are not covered by IFHP.
Please note that this program is only for short-term use, as it is only eligible for twelve months. The primary reason for this is to help refugees who are not eligible for health insurance under provincial laws.
Option 2: VAC (Veterans Affairs Canada)
VAC is form of free dental care Ontario for adults who have served in the Canadian military. However, you will only be eligible for this dental benefit if you:
· Receive the War Veterans Allowance
· Have been enrolled in the Veterans Independence Program
· Are enrolled in the Long Term Care program for veterans
· Receive a disability benefit
VAC is one of the best forms of free dental care for war veterans in Canada as it provides complete coverage for basic dental care up to $1500 a year for:
· Fillings
· Dentures once every seven years
· Extractions
· Dental cleanings (these are up to 8 units in a year, with two hours of cleaning per year
· Polish, fluoride treatment, and checkups every nine months
Please note that if you want comprehensive dental services, then you will need to get pre-authorization from VAC. Comprehensive services mean crowns, any basic treatment that exceeds the $1500 limit, and if you need an early replacement of your dentures.
Option 3: NIHB (Non-Insured Health Benefits)
The NIHB is a national health-benefit program by the Government of Canada that offers free dental care to Canadian residents who are:
· An Inuik in recognition of the Inuid land claim organization
· A First Nations person registered under the Indian Act
· A child under twelve months old whose parent is eligible for this program
The NIHB covers many dental treatments, which include the following:
· X-rays
· Dental exams
· Fillings
· Cleaning
· Root canal
· Teeth removal
· Braces
· Removable dentures
· Sedation or general anesthesia
If you have various sources of dental coverage, then you will have to submit your claims to those plans first before resorting to NIHB.
Low-Income Dental Coverage Ontario: Private Insurance Options for Low-Income Adults
While you might qualify for one of these plans, you also have the option to sign up for private dental insurance. It may sound expensive, but there are a few great options for free dental care for low-income adults in Ontario.
Our affordable Ontario dentists have listed the top options you have to opt for affordable private dental insurance in Ontario:
1. Sun Life Canada
Dental insurance is part of Sun Life's personal health insurance plan. Depending on your personal health coverage, you can get partial or full coverage for your dental treatments.
These can include orthodontics, dentures, crowns, bridges, dental x-rays, and teeth cleanings. Here are the options you have from Sun Life Canada for free dental care for low-income adults in Ontario:
· PHI Basic Plan: $500 annual maximum with 60% reimbursement for preventative dental care and recall visits every nine months
· PHI Standard Plan: $750 annual maximum with 70% reimbursement for preventative dental care and recall visits every nine months
· PHI Enhanced Plan: This is the most comprehensive plan by Sun Life, which includes the following:
a) $750 annual maximum with 80% reimbursement for preventative dental care and recall visits every nine months
b) 50% reimbursement for restorative dental care with $500 annual maximum
c) 60% reimbursement for orthodontics with a $1500 lifetime maximum
If you want affordable but private dental insurance, you can get in touch with Sun Life Canada for more information.
2. Ontario Blue Cross
Another option for private but practically free dental care for low-income adults in Ontario is the Ontario Blue Cross. It is a great option to offset any expenses of treatment or oral surgery you may have that OHIP doesn’t cover.
The best part about this dental insurance is that it is highly flexible, and your premium will vary depending on the terms of the client and the policy. Here are some possible plans of Ontario Blue Cross you can opt for:
· Entry Plan: $31.79 per month for 60% coverage up to $500 annually for fillings, cleanings, and dental exams
· Essential Plan: $47.69 per month for 70% coverage of root canals, extractions, cleanings, and dental exams
· Enhanced Plan: $66.76 per month for 80% coverage of dental costs with orthodontics and major dental coverage at 60%
We recommend you get in touch with Ontario Blur Cross to understand their dental plans and policies. They have been offering free dental care for low-income adults in Ontario for a long time.
3. Manulife Flexcare Health and Dental Insurance
Another option for free dental care for low-income adults in Ontario is Manulife Flexcare. Here are some of the plans you can opt for with this provider:
· ComboPlus Starter Plan: Includes 70% of the first $575 with up to $400 annually.
· Basic Plan: Includes 80% of first $400 and 50% of next $860 with up to $750 a year.
· ComboPlus Enhanced Plan: 100% of the first $500 and 60% of the next $700 for up to $920 a year.
Please note that these plans also include coverage for drugs, vision, and travel. You can learn about these plans in detail here.
Dental Payment Options for Low-Income Adults in Ontario
There are many people in Canada who can’t afford dental care and don’t even qualify for dental insurance, as you have to meet the eligibility criteria first.
In such cases, there are payment options to help you cover dental costs. You can choose from the following to pay for dental work if you don’t have insurance:
Payment Option 1: Personal Credit Line
A personal credit line can provide you with the specific amount you need to cover your dental costs. If you don't know about this option, it functions almost like a credit card.
You will receive a revolving credit limit that you can withdraw at the time of your need. After that, you will get the option of partial or minimum payments that you can pay.
While it will make your dental care affordable in the short term, you might have to pay high interest rates. So, be sure to consider the rates and total payment before you decide whether this would be the right option for you.
Payment Option 2: Personal Loan – The Best Option for Dental Care for Low-Income Adults in Ontario
Sometimes, emergencies can come up and you might have to pay for dental costs as soon as possible. In such a case, it is best to opt for a personal loan and you can repay it between three months and five years.
It will allow you to spread your costs over time with multiple payments that will ensure much more affordability than dental insurance.
Before you apply for a personal loan, you must have a stable source of income and a reasonable debt level. You must also check your credit score, as having a good credit score can help you qualify for more money and better terms for the personal loan.
Payment Option 3: Credit Card
Finally, you can also use your credit card to cover your dental care costs if you are on a low income. It will allow you to make partial and minimum payments, which will ease your burden.
However, it is not the best option because credit cards have higher interest rates, and you can get a personal loan at a lower cost if you have good credit. So, we recommend using this option if you don't have any other option to cover dental costs.
FAQs
Does Ontario Works cover dental for adults?
Ontario Works only covers emergency dental services. To avail this, you will have to fulfill the eligibility criteria set by the program, which is being 19 or older, and receiving Ontario Works support.
Can you go to the dentist for free in Canada?
No, you will have to pay for the dentist out-of-pocket or have private or public dental coverage to ensure affordability. You can opt for various programs if you are eligible to make dental care more affordable for yourself in Canada.
Will seniors get free dental care in Canada?
The Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) will begin covering 1.9 million seniors from May 1, 2024, for seniors 70 years or older. However, if you fall within the age bracket of 65 and 69, you can also apply for this program online.
Consult with the Top Dentists in Kitchener for Free Dental Care for Low-Income Adults in Ontario
If you are earning a low income but still require dental care, then you can benefit from free dental care Ontario for adults. The Canadian Government is in the process of rolling out new programs that will help you get the dental coverage you need.
For more information regarding these dental plans and options, you can get in touch with our dentist in Kitchener. We will be more than happy to help you out.