Dental Plans in Ontario for Immigrants, Seniors, and Refugees

Taking care of your teeth is not just about having a bright smile, it’s also an important part and is linked to your overall health. Poor oral hygiene can affect everything from your confidence in meeting new people or landing that job to your heart health, yet many people delay visiting the dentist because of the high costs often attached to dental services.  For many newcomers, immigrants, and refugees in Canada, navigating and accessing dental care can feel overwhelming. 

The good news? Both the federal and provincial governments offer programs to make dental care more affordable, or even free, for eligible residents. 

In this article, we’ll walk you through the main dental plans available in Ontario so you and your family can keep smiling.

• For 17 years and under in Ontario

• For low-income Canadian residents

• For low-income seniors in Ontario

• For refugees, refugee claimants, and protected persons

• Community clinics and local programs

Some of these programs may also be available in other provinces. Be sure to check the official links for the most up-to-date information.

1. Dental Plan for 17 Years and Under in Ontario

Healthy Smiles Ontario is a government-funded program providing free preventative, routine, and emergency dental services in the province of Ontario.

Who’s it for:

• Children 17 years old and under

• From low-income families in Ontario

Learn more about the eligibility and services covered by Healthy Smiles Ontario. 

2. For Low-Income Canadian Residents

Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) is a federal government program aiming to make oral health more accessible to Canadian residents.

Depending on your adjusted household income, the government may cover from 40%-100% of the cost for the services availed from your oral health provider (see table below). It’s always best to ask and confirm with your provider how much you are expected to pay before availing of any services. 

Who’s it for:

• Residents from 18 years old and above

• Does not have a dental insurance (and spouse or common-law partner)

• Have an adjusted household income of less than $90,000 per year

• Must have filed the previous year’s tax return

You may apply for the CDCP program online or call Service Canada at 1-833-537-4342 for assistance. Your continued access to the program must be renewed every year from March 1 to June 1, 2025, to confirm that you still meet the eligibility requirements.  

Review the complete eligibility here. Learn more about the services covered from CDCP’s Dental Benefits Guide. You may also read more Frequently Asked Questions about the CDCP here.  

3. For Low-Income Seniors in Ontario

Ontario Seniors Dental Care Program (OSDCP) is a government-funded program providing free, routine dental services for seniors in the province of Ontario.

Who’s it for:

• 65 years of age or older 

• A resident of Ontario 

• Meets the income requirements

• Does not have other forms of dental benefits, including private insurance or other government programs like ODSP and Ontario Works

You may apply for the program online or by sending an application through mail. Eligibility to the program is automatically verified every year for most clients. Reapplication is needed if you applied using a guarantor or you do not file taxes for the most recent tax year. 

Learn more about the OSDCP here.  

4. For Refugees, Refugee Claimants, and Protected Persons

Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP) is a program from the Government of Canada giving health care coverage, including dental services, for specific groups of people.

Who’s it for: 

• Refugee (asylum) claimant 

• Protected person or resettled refugee 

• Part of certain other groups

  
  

Unlike the other programs, you don’t have to apply for IFHP. You may create an account in the IFHP portal to find out if you’re covered, what you’re covered for, and where to get the dental services you need. Remember to check with your chosen dental health provider ahead before availing of any services.  

Find out more about eligibility of the IFHP here.  

5. Community Clinics and Local Programs

You may also reach out to local clinics that offer low-cost or free dental services for newcomers and people without insurance. In addition, several universities, such as the University of Toronto, have teaching clinics where dental students provide care at affordable prices, under the supervision of licensed dentists. 

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Getting dental care in Ontario, and in Canada overall, doesn’t have to feel out of reach. Whether you’re a newcomer needing help in managing expenses, a parent caring for your child’s health, or a senior on a fixed income, there’s likely a program designed to help you. Taking care of your family’s oral health can be one less thing to worry about. 

If you’re not sure where to start, reach out to us at info@kababayan.org or at 416-532-3888. Our settlement counsellors are here to guide and connect you to the right resources.