While the federal government recently launched its own dental care plan to make treatments more affordable for seniors and young people who don't have coverage, there is also a provincial plan launched in 2019 that offers routine dental care for low-income seniors — for free.
Seniors aged 65 and older in Algoma have access to free routine dental care through the Ontario Seniors Dental Care Program (OSDCP), "helping those without insurance maintain good oral health and overall well-being," Algoma Public Health (APH) says in a news release.
Low-income seniors may qualify for free routine dental services, including check-ups, cleanings, dentures and necessary procedures under the program, according to APH.
The public health unit said appointments are available now at Algoma Public Health’s Sault Ste. Marie office location, and at other locations in the Algoma district.
Only three in 10 seniors in Algoma have dental insurance, leaving many without access to essential care, APH says.
"Poor oral health can impact overall health, making it harder to eat, speak, and maintain a good quality of life," the public health unit said.
The Ministry of Health estimates that 3,792 seniors in Algoma could be eligible for the program, according to APH.
Current eligibility criteria states that a person must be 65 or older and have an annual income less than $25,000 for a single senior or a combined income of $41,500 or less for a couple and have no access to other dental benefits through private insurance or other government programs such as Ontario Disability Support Program.
“Providing free dental care for low-income seniors can help reduce the concerns of seniors and their families around not being able to access essential services that our seniors need,” said Nicole Lindahl, manager of the oral health program at APH.
With Algoma’s senior population growing faster than the rest of Ontario, programs like OSDCP play a critical role in reducing health inequities and improving quality of life, the public health unit said.
To book an appointment or to check eligibility and apply, seniors can contact Algoma Public Health at 705-942-4646 or toll-free at 1-866-892-0172 or visit https://www.algomapublichealth.com/seniorsdental.