If you have ever skipped your child’s dental visit due to the cost, Healthy Smiles Ontario can help change that. The Government of Ontario created this program to provide free routine and urgent dental care for eligible children and youth.
While some children are automatically enrolled through other assistance programs, others can apply using a short form. Learn all about qualifying requirements, covered services, and the application process for this provincial government benefit below.
What is Healthy Smiles Ontario?
Healthy Smiles Ontario (HSO) is a free government dental program for children and youth up to 17 years old in Ontario from low-income families. Managed by the Ontario Ministry of Health, its goal is to ensure all children have healthy teeth and gums.
Unlike private dental insurance, HSO covers all eligible dental services for families with no monthly premiums or hidden fees.
What Dental Services are Covered in the Healthy Smiles Ontario?
Healthy Smiles Ontario covers most basic and emergency dental services for kids, including check-ups, X-rays, cleanings, fillings, root canals, and extractions. However, the exact services a child needs during their check-up will be decided by a qualified dentist.
This is the list of oral health services covered by Healthy Smiles Ontario:
| Service Category | Specific Services | Frequency of Coverage |
| Examinations and Assessments | First Dental Visit (age 3 and under) | Covered for the first visit |
| New Patient Exam | Every 5 years | |
| Recall (check-up) Exam | Every 6 months | |
| Specific Exam (non-emergency) | Every 12 months | |
| Emergency Exam | Unlimited | |
| X-rays (Radiographs) | Periapical | Up to 8 per year |
| Bitewing (to diagnose cavities) | Up to 2 every 6 months | |
| Occlusal | Once a year | |
| Panoramic | Once every 2 years | |
| Preventive Services | Polishing | Up to 2 times a year |
| Fluoride | Up to 4 times a year | |
| Sealants | Limited to permanent molars | |
| Scaling (cleanings) | Ages 0-11: Up to 15 minutes per year Ages 12-17: Up to 30 minutes per year | |
| Restorative Services | Temporary Fillings | Unlimited |
| Permanent Fillings | Restrictions for baby teeth | |
| Crowns | Some are covered for permanent teeth only under special circumstances | |
| Endodontic Services | Root canals (restrictions for baby teeth) | Covered once per tooth |
| Periodontal Services | Periodontal surgery (gum surgery) | Limitations may apply |
| Prosthodontic Services | Dentures | Some denture services for permanent teeth are covered, but only in specific cases decided by your dentist |
| Bridges | For replacing permanent front teeth only | |
| Oral Surgery | Extractions | Unlimited |
| Anaesthesia | Unconscious or conscious sedation | Covered for 15 minutes to 2.5 hours per year, depending on treatment |
Beyond that, additional units require pre-authorization for certain oral health conditions.
What is NOT Covered Under the Healthy Smiles Ontario?
The HSO program does not cover cosmetic or aesthetic dentistry, which includes:
- teeth whitening,
- orthodontics (such as braces),
- dentures (except specific anterior tooth replacement situations).
These services focus on appearance rather than health and function. Thus, families seeking these treatments would need to pay privately or through separate insurance coverage.
Source: Services covered by Healthy Smiles Ontario – ontario.ca
Who is Eligible for Healthy Smiles Ontario?
Children automatically qualify for and are enrolled in HSO if their family is on specific social assistance programs. Otherwise, to qualify, children must be 17 or younger, be Ontario residents, and have a household income that meets the program limits.
Automatic Enrollment in Healthy Smiles Ontario
Children are automatically enrolled in HSO if they or their family receive assistance from 1 of 4 provincial programs:
- Ontario Works: Provincial social assistance for individuals and families in temporary financial need
- Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP): Financial assistance and employment support for people with disabilities
- Temporary Care Assistance: Support for children in temporary care arrangements
- Assistance for Children with Severe Disabilities: Financial help for families caring for children with severe disabilities
When receiving benefits from these programs, you will receive an HSO dental card in the mail without needing to complete an application.
Source: Coordination of benefits between the CDCP and Ontario’s provincial dental programs – canada.ca
Income-Based Eligibility for Healthy Smiles Ontario
Children who do not receive benefits from the programs listed above can qualify based on household income. The threshold increases by the number of dependent children.
Here are the current income thresholds (as of July 1, 2025) for HSO:
| Number of Children in Household | Maximum Adjusted Family Net Income |
| 1 child | $28,523 or lower |
| 2 children | $30,682 or lower |
| 3 children | $32,840 or lower |
| 4 children | $34,999 or lower |
| 5 children | $37,158 or lower |
| 6 children | $39,317 or lower |
| 7 children | $41,475 or lower |
| 8 children | $43,634 or lower |
| 9 children | $45,793 or lower |
| 10+ children | $47,952 or lower (add $2,159 per additional child) |
Notice that AFNI is the amount found on your CRA Notice of Assessment from your latest tax return. It reflects your total family income after deducting expenses and adjustments.
Disclaimer: Income thresholds are updated periodically by the Province of Ontario. Check the current figures before applying via the official HSO page on Ontario.ca. If numbers here differ, use the province’s latest table.
Emergency and Essential Services
Emergency and Essential Services (EESS) offer an alternative pathway to eligibility. While the regular HSO enrollment process is standard, emergencies can use the EESS to receive urgent care immediately. It happens even if they have not completed the usual enrollment requirements.
If your child qualifies for the EESS program, they can get coverage for 6 months after enrolling and can use EESS up to 3 times in their lifetime.
To enroll, you can get help from your Public Health Unit or a participating provider. Or, many participating dental offices have the EESS Application Form right at the front desk. They can help you fill it out and treat your child during the same visit. Families should also apply for the core stream if they meet the income requirements.
Example of EESS (urgent need, fast access without full enrollment)
A single parent in Sudbury has a 9-year-old child who has severe tooth pain and facial swelling on a Sunday. The parent has not filed last year’s taxes or applied for HSO. On Monday, the parent contacts the local Public Health Unit, which directs them to a participating dentist for emergency care that same day.
The clinic helps complete a short intake form so the child can be seen quickly, even without HSO enrollment. The dentist performs an emergency exam and any necessary treatments, like x-rays, drainage, extraction, or pulpotomy. Pain relief and antibiotics are provided if needed.
The EESS program offers limited coverage for urgent care from the approval date, allowing follow-up treatment before full HSO processing is complete. The parent can later apply to the regular Core Stream for ongoing coverage. The clinic bills EESS for covered services, costing the parent nothing, while non-covered or cosmetic services would need to be paid out-of-pocket.
How to Apply for Healthy Smiles Ontario
You can apply for Healthy Smiles Ontario online or by mail, depending on your circumstances. When your child enrolls in HSO, they get coverage each year from August 1 to July 31, or until the day before their 18th birthday, whichever comes first.
The expiry date is shown on the front of the card. If the card expires and your child is still eligible, you can reapply at any time during the benefit year.
Apply for Healthy Smiles Ontario Online
This is the fastest application method, through ServiceOntario’s online portal, which works for families who:
- Have a Social Insurance Number (SIN) or Temporary Taxation Number (TTN)
- Filed a tax return with the CRA in the previous year
- Live at a valid Ontario address
To complete, you need your child’s date of birth, your SIN or TTN, and your family’s net income from your latest tax return. If you have a spouse or common-law partner, they need to be there to provide an e-signature. Note that each adult must use a separate email address.
Then, visit the ServiceOntario website and search for “Healthy Smiles Ontario application” to find the online form. It takes approximately 15 minutes to complete and must be done in one session, as there is no option to save it for later.
After you submit it, Accerta will mail your Healthy Smiles Ontario dental card to you within 10-15 business days.
Apply for Healthy Smiles Ontario by Mail
This method typically takes several weeks longer to process than online submissions. To apply for HSO by mail, families can:
- download the General Application Form from the Ontario government website, or
- obtain a copy at their local public health unit or a ServiceOntario location.
After that, fill out your child’s information and family income details, as you would in the online method. Then mail the completed form to Healthy Smiles Ontario at 33 King Street West, PO Box 645, Oshawa, Ontario L1H 8X1.
No SIN/No Tax Return Exception
If you do not have a SIN or did not file a tax return last year, apply, download and fill out the Application Through Guarantor Form. Besides, you need to have your guarantor complete and sign their section.
Eligible guarantors include healthcare providers, teachers, social workers, lawyers, accountants, police officers, and other professionals listed on the form. They must be a Canadian citizen, at least 18 years old, and in good standing with their respective regulatory body.
Mail the completed guarantor form to the Oshawa address listed above. Once approved, you will receive an HSO dental card by mail. Bring it to each dental appointment to access free services.
Ontario Works First Nations Exception
If you get Ontario Works and live in a First Nations community, you need to enroll on your own. Do it by downloading the Ontario Works First Nations Verification Form and then mailing it to Healthy Smiles Ontario at Station P, PO Box 2286, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3J8.
Source: Teeth cleaning, check-ups and dental treatment for kids – How to enrol Section – ontario.ca
Safety tip: HSO usually reaches out to families by phone or mail. Be careful with unexpected emails and avoid opening attachments. Confirm their authenticity through Ontario’s contact points before clicking.
How Healthy Smiles Ontario works with Other Dental Plans
When your child has multiple dental coverage options, HSO generally coordinate benefits after private insurance. Accerta handles applications, issues dental cards, processes claims, and coordinates benefits with other insurances.
If you have private dental insurance through your employer or a purchased plan, your child might qualify for HSO. They can work together to give extra support when families provide insurance details during dental visits.
Similarly, if a child qualifies for the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP), providers should first submit claims to CDCP and then to Accerta as the second payer. Families cannot be billed for the remaining balance when working with HSO/ODSP schedules.
Do not forget that Local Public Health Units will help with enrollment, assist families in finding dentists, and offer dental services where available. For general inquiries, you can reach ServiceOntario at 1-844-296-6306.
HSO vs CDCP vs Private Insurance
Knowing the differences between HSO, CDCP, and private insurance can help families choose the best options for their children’s dental health. Here’s a comparison table to show these programs:
| Feature | Healthy Smiles Ontario | Canadian Dental Care Plan | Private Insurance |
| Eligibility | Children 17 and under from low-income families in Ontario | Canadian residents without private insurance, income-tested | Varies by plan; typically through employer or purchased individually |
| Cost to families | Free for eligible children | Free for eligible individuals; may have co-payments based on income | Premiums, deductibles, and co-payments apply |
| Age coverage | Up to the 18th birthday | All ages | Varies by plan |
| Geographic scope | Ontario only | Canada-wide | Depends on the provider network |
| Provider reimbursement | Provincial fee schedule | CDCP fee schedule through Sun Life | Negotiated rates or usual and customary fees |
| Coordination | Acts as a secondary payer to CDCP | Primary payer over provincial programs | Primary payer; CDCP ineligible with private coverage |
| Application process | Online or by mail with income verification | Online through Service Canada | Through the employer or the insurance company |
| Coverage period | August 1 to July 31 benefit year | Ongoing with annual renewal | Calendar or plan year based on policy |
As shown in the table, HSO is aimed at low-income families with children under 17, while the CDCP provides federal coverage to Canadians without private insurance. However, private dental plans are usually offered by employers or purchased individually, and their coverage can vary.
The Bottom Line
Healthy Smiles Ontario helps prevent minor dental issues from developing into more serious problems. Without it, children might miss out on necessary care like cleanings and checkups, which can lead to painful cavities, infections, and more expensive health issues later on. Therefore, do not miss the opportunity to apply for this program.
FAQs about Healthy Smiles Ontario
Can children receive HSO when they are not yet enrolled?
Yes, children can receive help with urgent dental issues even if they are not enrolled. Contact your local public health unit or a participating dental provider for assistance.
Does HSO cover cases that happen outside regular office hours?
Yes. Healthy Smiles Ontario covers dental emergencies outside regular hours, but it depends on your child’s program and the emergency.
What if my family’s income increases during the HSO benefit year?
Your HSO coverage will remain in effect (August 1 to July 31) of the benefit year, even if your income increases during that time. When you reapply, they will check your new income to see if you still qualify. If your situation changes, update your details using the official Change of Information form. Changes in income will not affect your coverage while it is active.
What happens if my dentist does not participate in HSO?
You have two options. First, you can ask your current dentist whether they would consider joining the program to continue treating your child. Second, you can find a new dentist who participates by contacting your local public health unit for a list of participating providers in your area.
What documentation do I need to bring to the first dental appointment?
Bring your child’s Healthy Smiles Ontario dental card (required for all appointments), your child’s valid Ontario health card, and any relevant medical or dental history. If your child takes medications or has health conditions that the dentist should be aware of, bring a list or copies of relevant medical records, such as any medication list/allergies, recent dental x‑rays if available, and private insurance details.
What if families need to update their information on HSO?
If your family situation changes during the year, such as a move or changes in who lives with you, contact your local public health unit or the ServiceOntario INFOline to update your information. Keeping your contact details up to date helps ensure you receive timely renewal reminders and important program updates.
Where can families find participating dentists for HSO?
Families can find participating dentists through the online provider directory at ontario.ca/healthysmiles, by calling the ServiceOntario INFOline at 1-844-296-6306, or by contacting their local Public Health Unit.
Is there a cost associated with using Healthy Smiles Ontario?
Healthy Smiles Ontario offers free dental care for eligible children, but families must pay for any services not covered by the program.
What if I disagree with an HSO coverage decision or denial?
If you disagree with an HSO coverage decision or denial, you can appeal. First, contact Accerta, the program administrator, to find out why your application was denied. If your first appeal is unsuccessful, you can request a formal review.
