Healthy Smiles Ontario
At Westmount Dental, we’re proud to support families by accepting the Healthy Smiles Ontario (HSO) program. If your child qualifies, they can receive free preventive, routine, and emergency dental care through this government-funded program.
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What is Healthy Smiles Ontario?
Healthy Smiles Ontario (HSO) is a provincial dental program that provides free dental care for eligible children and youth aged 17 and under from low-income households. This provincial government program helps children maintain healthy teeth and gums through regular dental visits while covering many common dental treatments.
Once enrolled, children are generally covered:
– From August 1 to July 31 of the benefit year, or
– Until their 18th birthday, whichever comes first.
Children receiving emergency or essential care may receive six months of coverage and may need to re-enrol afterward.
Who is eligible for Healthy Smiles Ontario?
Your child may be eligible if they:
– Are 17 years old or younger
– Live in Ontario
– Meet the household income requirements
Some children are automatically enrolled if their family receives:
– Ontario Works
– Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP)
– Temporary Care Assistance
– Assistance for Children with Severe Disabilities
What dental services are covered by Healthy Smiles Ontario?
Healthy Smiles help children maintain healthy teeth and gums through regular dental visits while covering many common dental treatments. Healthy Smiles Ontario covers:
Have questions about Healthy Smiles Ontario?
Our team is happy to help eligible families access the dental care their children need while making the process as simple as possible. Book an appointment today to use your Healthy Smiles Ontario coverage at our dental clinic.
How to apply for Healthy Smiles Ontario
Parents or guardians can apply online or by mail. Once your application is approved, you’ll receive a Healthy Smiles Ontario dental card, which should be brought to every dental appointment. If you don’t have a SIN or didn’t file taxes, you may still qualify by applying through a qualified guarantor using the appropriate application form.
Before applying, you’ll typically need:
Kindergarten and Grade 2 dental screenings with Healthy Smiles Ontario
Healthy Smiles Ontario also supports free dental screenings for children in Kindergarten and Grade 2.
Public health units visit participating schools throughout the school year to identify children who may need dental care. Parents are notified before school screenings and may choose to opt out if they do not wish their child to participate.
Schedule your child’s dental appointment
If your child is enrolled in Healthy Smiles Ontario, we’re here to help them receive the preventive and restorative care they need. Contact us today to book an appointment and remember to bring your Healthy Smiles Ontario dental card to your visit.
Frequently asked questions
Find answers to our most commonly asked questions about Healthy Smiles Ontario.
Yes. Eligible children receive covered preventive, routine, and emergency dental services at no cost through participating dental providers.
The program is available for eligible children and youth 17 years old and under.
Yes. Routine dental cleanings are included as part of the covered preventive services. Learn more about teeth cleaning.
Yes. The HSO program covers cavity tooth fillings when they are considered medically necessary.
No. Orthodontic treatment, including braces, is not covered by Healthy Smiles Ontario.
Yes. Emergency dental services such as toothaches, infections, dental pain, and other urgent dental concerns is covered for eligible children.
Yes. Having private dental insurance does not automatically prevent eligibility for Healthy Smiles Ontario.
If approved, your dental office may request your insurance information during your visit to coordinate benefits when applicable.
Eligibility depends on your child’s age, Ontario residency, and your household’s net income. Some families receiving Ontario Works or ODSP may be automatically enrolled.
Once enrolled, children are generally covered:
– From August 1 to July 31 of the benefit year, or
– Until their 18th birthday, whichever comes first.
Children receiving emergency or essential care may receive six months of coverage and may need to re-enrol afterward.