The Ontario Seniors Dental Care Program (OSDCP) is a government-funded program that offers seniors in Ontario free routine dental care. To qualify for the program, you must be 65 or older, live in Ontario, have an annual net income at or below $25,000 (single) or $41,500 (couple), and have no other dental benefits apart from the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP).
The program covers seven categories of dental services, including check-ups, fillings, X-rays, oral surgery, anesthesia, endodontics, and periodontics. However, access to the entire range of services may differ by location.
Applications can be submitted online, by mail, or through a guarantor if the applicant does not have a Social Insurance Number or has not filed taxes. Once approved, you will get a dental card valid until July 31 of that benefit year.
To evaluate how well this program works, we need to analyze its requirements, services, and application process below.
Who is Eligible for the OSDCP?
As mentioned above, you are eligible for the Ontario Seniors Dental Care Program if you meet all four of the criteria below at the time you apply:
| Criterion | Requirement |
| Age | 65 or older |
| Residency | Ontario resident |
| Income | $25,000 or less (single) or $41,500 or less (couple, one or both 65+) |
| Other dental coverage | None, apart from the CDCP |
For example, a 68-year-old resident of Ontario with a net income of $23,000 and no private dental insurance or coverage under Ontario Works, Ontario Disability Support Program, or the Non-Insured Health Benefits program would meet all four requirements and be eligible.
Tips: If you are uncertain whether your income is below the threshold, checking line 23600 on your latest Notice of Assessment is the easiest way to verify.
Who is Ineligible for the OSDCP?
Having additional dental coverage generally disqualifies you from participating in the program. The rule specifies that you cannot have any other dental benefits, including private insurance or coverage from other government dental programs such as OW, ODSP, or NIHB.
However, there is one exception: if you have the federal Canadian Dental Care Plan, you can still qualify for the program as long as you meet the other OSDCP criteria, as CDCP alone does not disqualify you.
Note that at this time, there is no coordination of benefits between the CDCP and the Ontario Seniors Dental Care Program. This means that for any given treatment, you must choose to use either OSDCP or CDCP; you cannot use both programs to cover different parts of the same bill. So, it is advisable to discuss with your dental provider which program may be better suited to your specific needs.
What Dental Services are Covered under OSDCP?
The program provides eligible seniors with free routine dental care at Public Health Units, Community Health Centres, and Aboriginal Health Access Centres. Coverage includes routine check-ups, treatment for broken teeth and cavities, x-rays, oral surgery, anesthesia, endodontic and periodontal procedures, along with partial coverage for dentures.
The seven fully covered service categories, along with one partially covered category, are under a benefit year running from August 1 to July 31. Below is what each category includes and what to expect regarding out-of-pocket costs.
Preventive Care: Routine examinations designed to monitor and maintain your oral health. This includes services such as scaling, fluoride treatment, and polishing. Your provider will recommend preventive care based on your needs, within the OSDCP program limits (some procedures have frequency and clinical criteria).
Restorative Services: Treatments aimed at repairing damaged teeth, such as fillings for cavities and repairs for broken teeth. These are some of the most commonly utilized services under the program.
Diagnostic Services: OSDCP provides coverage for X-rays when clinically necessary, but certain procedures, including imaging and cleaning services, may be subject to program limits based on scientific and clinical criteria. As a result, consult your OSDCP clinic or provider to understand any applicable limits.
Oral Surgery: Procedures like tooth extractions or the removal of abnormal tissue. Your OSDCP provider will evaluate whether oral surgery is clinically necessary as part of your treatment plan.
Endodontic Services: Treatments for infection and pain within the tooth, including root canal therapy. These services address issues that, if left untreated, could lead to tooth loss or more serious oral health problems.
Periodontal Services: Treatments for gum conditions and diseases, which range from deep cleaning below the gum line to more advanced gum therapy. Untreated gum disease can negatively impact both your teeth and your overall health.
Pain management and sedation are provided when clinically required for a covered dental procedure. Anesthesia is provided when clinically necessary for dental procedures. Some services may have limitations based on scientific and clinical criteria.
Note that dental prosthetics, including dentures, are only partially covered by the program. Seniors will have to pay a portion of the cost for denture services. So before beginning denture treatment, request a cost estimate from your local public health unit or an OSDCP dental provider, as out-of-pocket expenses may vary.
In addition, certain procedures are limited by scientific and clinical criteria. For example, program guidelines may dictate the frequency of covered cleanings or the number of X-rays allowed in a benefit year.
If you choose to receive services that are not covered by the program, you will be responsible for the associated costs. Furthermore, the OSDCP will only cover dental treatment for seniors who have enrolled in the program prior to treatment. Before scheduling any procedures, make sure your enrollment is active and your dental card is still valid.
How to Apply for the Ontario Seniors Dental Care Program
You can apply for the OSDCP online or by mail using the printed application form, or through a guarantor if you lack a SIN or did not file taxes.
Before Applying
Before you begin, ensure you have the following items ready: your date of birth, a valid address in Ontario, your Social Insurance Number (SIN), your spouse’s SIN, and their consent (if applicable). You and your spouse (if applicable) must have filed your Personal Tax Return with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) for the most recent tax year and possess valid SINs to use the standard application.
If you or your spouse do not have a SIN and have not filed your tax returns, you will need a guarantor to confirm that you meet the eligibility requirements for the program. If both you and your spouse or common-law partner are applying, you must submit separate applications for each of you.
Apply Online
The online application is available at seniors.accerta.ca. You have a limited time frame to complete the session (the portal indicates 2 hours), so make sure you have all the required documents listed in the previous section before you begin.
The process to do with this method is:
- Visit seniors.accerta.ca and ensure you have your SIN and, if applicable, your spouse’s SIN.
- Complete all sections of the application form and provide eSignatures where required.
- If you cannot provide an eSignature, fill out the online application, then print and complete the consent form.
- Mail the signed consent form within 30 days to:
Ontario Seniors Dental Care Program
Station P, P.O. Box 159
Toronto, Ontario M5S 2S7
If applicable, ensure that your spouse, partner, or legal representative is present with you to sign digitally as part of the process.
Common mistake to avoid: If you have previously applied online using your SIN, you must reapply by mail. The online system will not accept a second application from the same SIN. If you receive a message stating that a previous application exists, please contact the program at 1-833-207-4435 to arrange for a mail-based reapplication.
Apply by Mail
You can either download and print the application form or pick up a paper copy from your local public health unit. The form you need is Form 5125-20E, which is available through the Central Forms Repository.
The 3 steps to follow are:
- Visit forms.mgcs.gov.on.ca for a downloadable version or request a paper copy from your local public health unit.
- Complete all sections of the form, including signatures in Section 4 and Section 6.
- Once you have filled out the form, mail it to the following address:
- Ministry of Health
- Ontario Seniors Dental Care Program
- Station P, P.O. Box 159
- Toronto, Ontario M5S 2S7
Be sure to keep a copy of your completed form for your records. Completing all required fields will help avoid any processing delays.
Ontario Seniors Dental Care Program Application through Guarantor Form
If you or your spouse do not have a SIN or have not filed a tax return for the most recent tax year, you will need to use the Guarantor Form (5126-20E) and apply by mail only. There is no online option available for guarantor applications. If both spouses are applying, you need to submit two separate applications.
The guarantor must meet all three of the following criteria:
- Must be a Canadian citizen and at least 18 years of age.
- Must be able to confirm the identity, age, and Ontario residency of the applicant and, if applicable, their spouse.
- Must be a practicing member of an eligible regulated or specified profession.
Moreover, the guarantor must be a practicing member in good standing from a list of specified professions that includes doctors, nurses, lawyers, dentists, teachers, pharmacists, municipal clerks, and others. The completed guarantor form must be printed, filled out, and mailed to the OSDCP at the address provided on the form.
To learn who can serve as a guarantor and what they need to complete, refer to the instructions on the guarantor form and the program portal.
After Applying
Accerta reviews all applications, regardless of how they were submitted. If there are any issues with your application or if information is missing, they will reach out to you or your legal representative by phone or mail. You will receive a letter with the status of your application once the review is complete.
If your application is approved, the welcome package you receive will explain how to access services, where to book an appointment, and what to bring to your first visit. The dental card included in the welcome package expires on July 31 of the current benefit year. After receiving your dental card, contact your local public health unit to learn which providers offer OSDCP services in your area and to schedule an appointment.
You must present your dental card to your provider at every visit to receive services under the program. Providers cannot offer OSDCP services without a valid card, so keep yours in a safe place. If you need to replace a lost or damaged card, contact the Ontario Seniors Dental Care Program at 416-916-0204 or toll-free at 1-833-207-4435.
How to Renew Your OSDCP Coverage Each Year
The renewal period for the program is from August 1 to July 31 each year. If you are already enrolled, your eligibility will be automatically reassessed at the start of the next benefit year. No action is required on your part for this automatic OSDCP renewal, as long as your tax return has been filed and your personal information is up to date.
If you remain eligible, you will receive a letter and a new dental card for the upcoming year. Generally, you do not need to submit a new application unless the program specifically requests it or if you did not file taxes for the tax year used to verify your eligibility.
You may need to submit a new OSDCP application if you did not file taxes for the tax years used to verify your eligibility, or if the program instructs you to reapply. If you previously applied using a guarantor, follow the renewal instructions you receive by mail.
To avoid delays in the automatic assessment, file your personal tax return (and your spouse’s, if applicable) with the CRA as early as possible each year. Filing early allows the Program Administrator enough time to verify your income and issue a new dental card before the next benefit year begins on August 1.
You will receive a letter by mail informing you of your enrollment status for the upcoming benefit year, indicating whether you are continuing automatically or need to reapply. If you do not receive a renewal letter or a new dental card by August 1, contact the program at 416-916-0204 or toll-free at 1-833-207-4435 to confirm your status.
FAQs about Ontario Seniors Dental Care Program
Where to access OSDCP dental services?
Approved seniors have access to OSDCP dental services through participating Public Health Units, Community Health Centres, and Aboriginal Health Access Centres, and can contact the program by phone for questions. Knowing where to go and whom to call ensures you can begin using your benefits as soon as your dental card arrives.
Can you hold both the CDCP and the OSDCP?
Yes. You may be eligible for both the CDCP and the provincial OSDCP at the same time. Enrollment in the CDCP does not count as “other dental benefits” under OSDCP eligibility rules, so it will not disqualify you. If you currently receive dental benefits through one of those programs, you must confirm that your coverage has ended before applying.
Who administers the OSDCP in Canada?
The Ontario Ministry of Health oversees the OSDCP, and applications are managed through the province’s program administrator, Accerta. Throughout the province, services are provided by partner Aboriginal Health Access Centers, partner community health centers, and public health units.
Article sources
Disclaimer: This guide summarizes the rules of government programs and is not intended as benefits or legal advice. Please note that program details, including income eligibility and covered services, may change over time. For the most up-to-date information before applying, kindly consult the official Government of Ontario website or contact the program directly at 1-833-207-4435.
