Free dental care programs serve thousands in Grey Bruce

Thousands of low-income residents in Grey Bruce have access to free dental care programs.

Grey Bruce Public Health (GBPH) Oral Health Manager Jason Weppler said government funded initiatives, including Healthy Smiles Ontario and the Ontario Seniors Dental Care Program, cover routine and restorative dental services for children, youth, and seniors from lower-income households.

“With the seniors program, we saw 103 new patients throughout the course of 2024 and had a total of just shy of 900 total appointments for our seniors,” Weppler added. “That program began late in 2019, and we have had 886 total clients enrolled in that seniors program.”

Also in 2024, the Healthy Smiles program provided urgent service to over 800 children, and preventative care to over 900 young people.

“It is very well documented in the research that having good oral health does lead and support good overall physical health,” Weppler pointed out. “If someone’s dealing with a lot of oral health pain that certainly impacts them, affects them, physically, mentally and socially. So if we can take good care and have a good healthy mouth, then we know that our overall health will be much better as well.”

Healthy Smiles Ontario is available for children and youth aged 17 and under from qualifying families and covers check-ups, cleanings, fillings, extractions, and emergency dental care.

For residents 65 and older, the Ontario Seniors Dental Care Program provides coverage for exams, x-rays, dental surgery, and even dentures (with a nominal co-pay).

“For some of our priority population, those who may not have the income or the insurance to see a dentist, this certainly fills a gap,” said Weppler. “It’s certainly keeping the dental teams here at public health quite busy. We do offer clinics most days of the week, and we are in all the schools throughout the course of the year “

Appointments are required at clinics in Owen Sound, Markdale, Wiarton, and the new Walkerton site.

“It’s brand new build,” Weppler shared. “We have two beautiful operatories in there and a full array of services to support the children that would be coming for the Healthy Smiles Ontario Program and seniors who are enrolled in the Senior’s dental program.”

Weppler pointed out capital funding of nearly a million dollars helped build the Walkerton clinic, which opened in September of 2024.

“The space is bright, cheery, and inviting and equipped with a full slate of dental amenities to meet our clients’ needs.”

Clinics in Owen Sound and Markdale have also received refreshed spaces and the latest equipment.

While GBPH does not offer services covered by the federal Canadian Dental Care Plan, private clinics may.

April is Oral Health Month, and GBPH is hoping to spread the word about the free dental services that are available.

For more information or to determine eligibility, residents are encouraged to contact Grey Bruce Public Health.