Province Expands Dental Coverage For Low-income Children

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On April 3rd the Ministry of Health and Long-term Care announced the Healthy Smiles Ontario program eligibility expansion. Previously, children 17 years old and under were eligible if they lived in a home that had an Adjusted Net Family Income of $20,000 per year or lower. Starting on April 1st that amount was increased to $21,513 or less.

Children are eligible for the program if:

• They are residents of Ontario.
• They are members of a household with an adjusted net family income of $21,513 or less per year.
• They do not have access to any form of dental coverage, including other government-funded programs such as Ontario Works.
• The new program also takes into account the number of children living in a household. For example, the household income for a family with two children in need of dental care can be as much $23,026 per year. The maximum income amount increases $1,513 for every additional child.

Dental care covered under the program includes regular visits to a licensed dental provider such as a dentist or dental hygienist. Services include dental cleanings, fillings, X-rays, and scaling. Cosmetic dentistry such as teeth whitening and braces are not covered, nor is emergency oral health care. Urgent or emergency oral health issues for kids 17 years old and under may be covered through the Children in Need of Treatment (CINOT) program.

You can call the Health Unit at 519-258-2146 ext. 1103 or 1104 for answers to questions about eligibility and the application process.