Dental Health
Oral health or dental health is an important part of your overall health. A healthy diet, daily brushing and flossing, as well as regular visits to a dental office help keep healthy teeth, gums, tongue, lips, and inside your cheeks.
Public Health Dental Clinics (eligibility, how to apply, book an appointment) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Public Health has two dental clinics, one in Cambridge and one in Waterloo. Dentists, Registered Dental Hygienists, and Certified Dental Assistants staff both clinics. The clinics offer dental services to children and adults who:
ChildrenChildren 17 years or younger who meet the eligibility requirements receive free basic services including checkups, preventive services (such as scaling, fluoride and sealants) and fillings. To determine the financial eligibility, call 519-575-4400 ext. 3086 or submit the Income Assessment form. Eligibility must be determined once a year and this form will need to be completed each time. If the application is approved you will be contacted by dental clinic staff to set up an appointment for your child(ren).
The financial eligibility is based on the family income. Those who are eligible have a combined household taxable income that is less than the limit for the family size - see chart below.
Income levels established by Region of Waterloo Public Health Adults
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Baby first year dental visit | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Dentists and Dental Hygienists recommend children to be seen by a dental professional by their first birthday, or six months after the first tooth erupts. Why should you visit a dentist by your baby's first birthday?
What can you expect from the first visit?
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School Dental Screenings | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Public Health registered dental hygienists and dental assistants provide dental screening in elementary schools in Waterloo Region. If the dental hygienist identifies that a child has a dental problem, parents will receive information about how to access dental care. If you've received a Dental Screening Parent Notification Form, instructions are available on on how to complete and return the form to Public Health.
Parents do not have to wait for the school dental screening. If your child has a toothache, infection or large cavity, call 519-575-4400 ext. 5010 to arrange a free dental screening with a Registered Dental Hygienist |
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Healthy Smiles Ontario | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Healthy Smiles Ontario (HSO) is a free dental program for children 17 and under who live in low-income families. The program covers preventive, routine and emergency dental services. Children are automatically enrolled in the HSO program when they or their family receive:
To enroll your child in the Healthy Smiles Ontario program, choose one of the following options:
Lost Healthy Smiles Ontario CardsCall Service Ontario at 1-844-296-6306 to have a new card issued. Note: If your child experiences a toothache, infection or large cavity (and they are not already enrolled into Healthy Smiles Ontario), call 519-575-4400 ext. 5010 to arrange a free dental screening with a Registered Dental Hygienist at one of our screening sites. Children/youth under 18 years of age are now eligible to apply for the Canadian Dental Care Plan. To find out more information, including eligibility and how to apply visit Canadian Dental Care Plan |
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Ontario Seniors Dental Care Program | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
The Ontario Seniors Dental Care Program (OSDCP), a new publicly-funded dental care program for seniors, is now being offered in Waterloo Region. Check our Ontario Seniors Dental Care Program page. If a senior does not meet the OSDCP eligibility criteria, they may be eligible for the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP). Visit the Government of Canada website for information on application and eligibility criteria. If a senior is not eligible for OSDCP or CDCP, and are experiencing a dental emergency, they may be eligible for temporary dental coverage through discretionary benefits; to determine eligibility, please call Community Services at 519-883-2100 (option 1) for more information. |
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Ontario Works | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
If you get Ontario Works (OW), you qualify for the new Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP). This plan covers many dental services including preventative care and dentures. To learn more or apply, visit the Canadian Dental Care Plan website. If you live in the Waterloo Region and are signed up for CDCP, you can use both CDCP and OW dental benefits together. This means most of your dental care could be fully covered. How to use Ontario Works and Canadian Dental Care Plan benefits together
Not registered for the CDCP?If you’re 18 or older and not registered for the CDCP, you can still get emergency dental care through OW. You’ll need to call dental offices directly and ask if they accept patients on social assistance.
Where to get support
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Ontario Disability Support Program | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
If you receive support from the Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP), you qualify for the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP). This plan covers many dental services, like preventative care and dentures. To learn more or apply, visit the Canadian Dental Care Plan website. Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) recipients and their spouse 18 years of age or older are eligible for dental coverage, managed by the province of Ontario. In Waterloo Region, ODSP recipients may also be eligible for discretionary benefits including dentures and root canals (with pre-approvals). Dependent children under the age of 18 will be automatically enrolled in the Healthy Smiles Ontario Program. Dependent adult children may be eligible for temporary emergency dental coverage through Ontario Works (call 519-575-4400 ext. 5010 to verify eligibility). Where to get support
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Canadian Dental Care Plan | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
The federal government’s launch of the new Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) will ease financial barriers to accessing oral health care services for Canadians who:
Pre-determined co-payments for services may be required based on adjusted family net income. All eligible Canadians can now apply for the Canadian Dental Care Plan. To find out more information, including if you are eligible, when you can apply, and for application assistance, visit Canadian Dental Care Plan, call the CDCP phone line, or visit a Service Canada location in person;
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Resources for teachers and parents | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Infection Prevention and ControlWhether offering services within one of the public health dental clinics, community health centers, school dental screenings, or other community sites, dental staff follow the most current Infection Prevention and Control (IPAC) guidance from the College of Dental Hygienists of Ontario, the Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario, and Public Health Ontario. |
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