Dental professionals
Dental professionals play a critical role in improving the oral and overall health of people in our community. This page provides dental professionals with current information on publicly-funded dental programs, eligibility pathways, and benefit coordination to support client care in our region, along with information on dental-related infection prevention and control measures.
School dental screening
Each school year, Southeast Public Health’s Oral Health Program staff visit all elementary schools across the region to provide dental screenings for students in designated grades.
Every child who receives a screening is given a Dental Screening Report Card, which outlines the findings. Dental professionals may receive these report cards, as families are encouraged to share them for follow‑up care.
Provincial and Federal Dental Programs – A practical guide for dental professionals
Healthy Smiles Ontario (HSO)
Healthy Smiles Ontario (HSO) is a provincially-funded program that provides preventive, routine, and emergency dental care for eligible children and youth (17 years and under) from low‑income households. The program consists of multiple streams designed to meet varying levels of dental need.
Healthy Smiles Ontario program streams
1. HSO-CORE services stream
Provides routine and preventive dental care, including check ups, cleanings, fillings, X-rays, scaling, and extractions.
HSO-CORE automatic enrollment
Children are automatically enrolled if they receive or their family receives:
- Temporary Care Assistance
- Assistance for Children with Severe Disabilities
- Ontario Works
- Ontario Disability Support Program
HSO-CORE eligibility for application (non-automatic enrollment)
Parents/guardians may apply if the child:
- Is 17 years old or under
- Lives in Ontario
- Lives in a household at or below the provincial income eligibility threshold – Income eligibility requirements
Coverage period
- Up to one benefit year (August 1 to July 31)
- Reassessed annually
2. HSO Emergency and Essential Services Stream (HSO-EESS)
Designed for urgent, clinically necessary dental treatment for children with pain, infection, or visible oral health concerns. Eligibility includes:
- A clear clinical need (pain, visible cavity, infection)
- Demonstration of financial hardship
- Dental providers have the ability to enroll clients with urgent needs
Coverage period
- Six months from enrollment with a maximum of three times in a lifetime
- Re-enrollment required if treatment is still needed
3. Preventive Services Only Stream (HSO-PSO)
The Preventive Services Only Stream is supported by public health units and select community health centres.
Important note for dental providers
Private dental providers may assess clients and enroll eligible clients into the HSO-EESS stream during urgent situations or refer these clients to Southeast Public Health.
Provider tools (from Healthy Smiles Ontario Professionals Portal)
- EESS Application Form
- Parent Notification and Enrollment Form
- Operational Guide
Coordination of benefits
- Healthy Smiles Ontario does coordinate benefits with the federal Canadian Dental Care Plan.
Ontario Seniors Dental Care Program (OSDCP)
The Ontario Seniors Dental Care Program provides free, routine dental services for eligible low-income seniors aged 65 and older.
Service delivery in our region
Ontario Seniors Dental Care Program clients are seen through public health units or community health centres in our region.
Coordination of benefits
- Ontario Seniors Dental Care Program does not coordinate benefits with the federal Canadian Dental Care Plan.
Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP)
The Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) is a federal dental benefit for Canadians without private dental insurance, administered by Health Canada and Sun Life.
Coordination of benefits
- Canadian Dental Care Plan coordinates benefits with Healthy Smiles Ontario.
- Canadian Dental Care Plan does not coordinate with Ontario Seniors Dental Care Program.
Infection prevention and control (IPAC) in a dental setting
Effective infection prevention and control (IPAC) is essential to safeguarding clients, dental care workers, and the broader community from infectious diseases. In Ontario, infection prevention and control requirements for dental practices are guided by provincial legislation, public health standards, and the expectations set by regulatory colleges.
Public Health Ontario (PHO) provides resources and guidance to support infection prevention and control best practices in dental settings. Explore the Public Health Ontario recommendations through the links below.