Visit our Public Health Dental Clinics page to learn about eligibility, how to apply and how to book an appointment.

Dentists and dental hygienists recommend children 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?

• Tooth decay is the most common childhood disease. At the visit you will learn about simple prevention.
• Learn the importance of oral health and start a positive relationship with a dental professional.
• Get help to spot problems at early stages when treatment is simple and inexpensive.

What can you expect from the first visit?

• A visual check of your baby's mouth while they lie in your arms.
• A conversation on how to reduce the risk of decay for your baby.
• A simple fluoride varnish application, if needed.
• A toothbrush, sticker and other supplies.
• A quick and easy visit in a friendly environment.

We offer free first visits with a registered dental hygienist. Book a first year at one of our Public Health Dental Clinics:

• Call 519-575-4400 ext. 3086, or
• Book an appointment online

For more information on the importance of early oral health, watch these videos:

• Dental Care for Your Baby and Toddler
• Preventing Early Childhood Caries

The Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) eases financial barriers to accessing oral health care services for Canadians who:

• have no access to dental insurance,
• have an annual adjusted family net income of less than $90,000.00,
• are a Canadian resident for tax purposes and,
• have filed their tax return for the previous year.

Apply online or call Service Canada at 1-833-537-4342 (TTY: 1-833-677-6262). You can also visit a Service Canada location for in-person support.

Most dental offices in Waterloo Region accept CDCP. When locating a new dentist, call ahead to ask if they accept new clients on CDCP. Review the "Find a dentist" section above for more tips when looking for a new dentist.

Questions to ask when searching for your new CDCP dental provider:

• Do you bill according to the CDCP fee guide, or do you bill above CDCP fees?
• If I have out-of-pocket expenses, do you offer payment plan options?
• Do you accept Healthy Smiles Ontario coverage as secondary insurance (if applicable)?
• Is there free parking or access to public transit nearby?
• What are your policies on cancellations or missed appointments?

More information on eligibility, possible co-payments, and the application process can be found at Canadian Dental Care Plan.

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:

• Temporary care assistance
• Assistance for children with severe disabilities
• Ontario Works 
• Ontario Disability Support Program

To enroll your child in the Healthy Smiles Ontario program, choose one of the following options:

• Apply online at Healthy Smiles Ontario
• Call Service Ontario INFOline toll-free at 1-844-296-6306 (TTY 1-800-387-5559)
• Call Public Health 519-575-4400 ext. 5010 (TTY 519-575-4608)

Lost Healthy Smiles Ontario Cards

Call 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

Visit our Ontario Seniors Dental Care Program page for information on eligibility and enrollment.

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

1. Find a dentist in your area who accepts CDCP.
2. Tell the dental office when you book your appointment that you have both CDCP and OW coverage. Ask if they can use both plans together.
3. Bring your CDCP card and proof of OW coverage (like your paper OW dental card or MyBenefits info) to your appointment.

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.

• Services may include:
  • A dental exam
  • A few x-rays
  • Up to 3 fillings or 4 tooth removals
• Some extra services like dentures or root canals may be covered if you get pre-approval.

Where to get support

• For proof of assistance for you and household members log in to MyBenefits (you will need to show this to the dental provider). 
• If you are an existing Ontario Works client and have specific dental related questions, please contact the dental program at 519-575-4400 ext. 5010.
• If you are NOT an existing Ontario Works client and are looking to apply for assistance, go to Social assistance | ontario.ca
• If you are not eligible for assistance and are experiencing a dental emergency, you may be eligible for temporary emergency dental coverage through discretionary benefits; to determine your eligibility, please call Community Services at 519-883-2100 (option 1).

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

• For proof of assistance for you and household members log in to MyBenefits (you will need to show this to the dental provider). 
• If you are an existing Ontario Disability Support Program client and have questions related to denture and root canal coverage, call the dental program at 519-575-4400 ext. 5010
• If you are an existing Ontario Disability Support Program client and have questions related to your dental coverage, call Accerta at 1-800-505-7430 (Ontario Disability Support Program, option 1).
• If you are NOT an existing Ontario Disability Support Program client and are looking to apply for assistance, go to Social assistance | ontario.ca
• If you are not eligible for assistance and are experiencing a dental emergency, you may be eligible for temporary emergency dental coverage through discretionary benefits; to determine your eligibility, please call Community Services at 519-883-2100 (option 1).