Expanding Seniors’ Access to Quality Dental Care
Free routine dental care for eligible seniors will help reduce unnecessary hospital trips, prevent chronic disease & improve quality of life
Many low-income seniors face challenges accessing regular dental care because they cannot afford it, impacting their overall well-being.
That’s why our PC government is expanding access to the Ontario Seniors Dental Care Program by investing $25 million in funding for 78 critical dental infrastructure projects across the province.
This investment will build new dental clinics, while also supporting upgrades and expansions to existing clinics at public health units, participating community health centres and Aboriginal Health Access Centres. These projects are expected to be completed by March 31, 2021.
“Our government made a promise to Ontario’s low-income seniors that we would provide them with free, routine dental care ― and we are keeping that promise,” said Doug Ford, MPP for Etobicoke North and Premier of Ontario. “As part of the next phase of the program, we are enhancing our commitment, which includes more mobile dental clinics. We are bringing critical dental care right to the doorstep of our seniors and allowing for better treatment in underserviced areas.”
As part of this funding, 50 projects will receive $11.61 million to support existing clinics with upgrades and expansion, and 28 projects will receive $13.34 million to build new clinics that will help provide dental services in underserviced areas. This includes adding eight new mobile dental clinics that will be able to bring services directly to clients, making it easier for vulnerable seniors to access the dental care they need.
Providing free routine dental care to eligible low-income seniors will help reduce unnecessary trips to the hospital, prevent chronic disease and increase the quality of life and overall well-being.