Staff
Each year in Ontario, preventable dental issues like gum disease, infections, and chronic pain lead to more than 60,000 emergency department visits by patients, of which a significant portion are seniors.
Many low-income seniors face challenges accessing regular dental care because they cannot afford it, impacting their overall well-being. The newly launched Ontario Seniors Dental Care Program helps low-income seniors access dental care. To qualify:
· 65 years of age and older
· resident of Ontario
· income of $19,300 or less for single senior; combined income of $32,300 or less for a couple (Line 236 from your income tax form)
· have no other forms of dental benefits (e.g. private insurance or other government program)
The Ministry of Health is responsible for all eligibility and enrolment into the program. Applications are available at the Grey Bruce Health Unit, 101 17th Street East, Owen Sound, the South East Grey Community Health Centre, 55 Victoria Ave, Markdale, or access the forms online at: https://seniors.accerta.ca/application/en
This new publicly-funded seniors dental care program will be rolled out across Grey Bruce in two stages. Stage 1 will provide limited service based on current public health dental set-up. Please call for information on services available in Grey Bruce during Stage 1. Stage 2 will occur when more clinics are available in Grey Bruce. Stage 2 is not anticipated until well in to 2020.
For more information on this program, please go to: www.ontario.ca/SeniorsDental
