Government Subsidies

The Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) is a federal government program that is intended to provide coverage for Canadian residents who do not have access to dental benefits and have a household income of less than $90,000 a year. You need to know that this is a government dental benefit; it is not a free dental program.

The CDCP is for Canadians who do not have access to dental benefits. It is not intended to replace benefits that people already have access to benefits through work, school or private plans. 

The CDCP is managed by Health Canada and administered by Sun Life. Dentists are not involved in deciding who is eligible or what services are covered.

Learn More: https://www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/dental/dental-care-plan.html

The Interim Federal Health Program (IFPH) covers emergency dental care for refugees. “Emergency” is defined as procedures to reduce pain and active infection, hemorrhage and the result of oral trauma.

The IFHP provides limited, temporary coverage of health-care benefits to people in the following groups who aren’t eligible for provincial or territorial health insurance:

• Protected persons, including resettled refugees;
• Refugee claimants; and
• Certain other groups.

Learn more: Interim Federal Health Program – Information for Individuals

The Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB) Program is a national health-benefit program for eligible First Nations people and Inuit. This program provides coverage for a range of health benefits that are not covered through other social programs, private insurance plans or provincial or territorial health insurance.

The program covers a range of dental services including diagnostic (e.g. X-rays), preventive (e.g. cleaning, fluorides), restorative (e.g. fillings, crowns); endodontic (including root canal treatments), periodontal and oral surgery.

Learn more: Non-insured health benefits for First Nations and Inuit

is a government-funded dental program that provides preventive, routine, and emergency dental services for children and youth 17 years old and under from low-income households.

Who it’s for: To be eligible your children must be:

• 17 years of age or under;
• Live in Ontario; and
• Come from a household that meets the HSO income eligibility requirements.

Learn more: Healthy Smiles Ontario

offers financial assistance, benefits and employment support to eligible Ontarians living with a disability.

If you are receiving ODSP support, you and your spouse (18 years and over) may be able to get coverage for:

• Basic dental services
• Additional services if your disability, prescribed medications or prescribed treatment affects your oral health

If you have any children who are 17 years and under, they will be automatically enrolled in Healthy Smiles Ontario.

Learn more: Ontario Disability Support Program

OHIP is Ontario’s health care plan but it does not cover dental care, with the notable exception of some in-hospital dental surgeries (e.g. fracture repairs, tumor removal, reconstructive surgery). Medically necessary tooth removal is also sometimes covered, provided it has prior approval by OHIP.

Learn more: What OHIP Covers

The new Ontario Seniors Dental Care Program is a government-funded dental care program. It provides free, routine dental services for low-income seniors who are 65 years of age or older. Seniors can access dental services under this program only through:

• Public Health Units;
• partner Community Health Centres; and
• partner Aboriginal Health Access Centres.

Learn more on the Ontario government website or by calling 416-916-0204 or toll-free at 1-833-207-4435.

Ontario Works helps people who are in financial need. It offers financial and employment assistance, including some health benefits for participants and their families. Emergency assistance is also available to people who are in a crisis or an emergency situation.

If you are receiving Ontario Works, you and your family may be eligible for certain health-related benefits. Children 17 and under will be automatically enrolled in the Healthy Smiles Ontario program.

Learn more: Ontario Works

A Public Health Unit (PHU) is an official health agency established by a group of urban and rural municipalities to provide a more efficient community health program, carried out by full-time, specially qualified staff.

There are 36 PHUs in Ontario. Many have in-house dental clinics offering many free dental services for children and youth. Some PHUs also offer services for adults and seniors, but not all.

Learn more: Contact your closest Public Health Unit to ask about dental help in your area