Quality dental care is closer than you think. Need free or affordable dental care? Toronto Public Health (TPH) provides dental services through government-funded programs and can help you understand your options. Call 416-338-7600 to find out what you qualify for.
Taking care of your teeth, gums and mouth is an important part of your overall health and well-being.
TPH provides free or low-cost dental care to eligible Toronto residents through government-funded programs. TPH operates 25 dental clinics and two wheelchair-accessible mobile clinics across Toronto, making it easier for you to access care close to home.
Call 416-338-7600 and our team can:
Our staff speak many languages and will help determine if you are eligible for service.
You may be eligible for free dental care if:
Exact eligibility depends on the specific program.
If you have private dental insurance, search for a dentist through the Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario.
If you are referring someone, contact a TPH dental clinic directly.
Toronto Public Health offers quality dental services based on your oral health needs, which may include:
Several government-funded dental programs may provide free or reduced-cost dental care. Eligibility and coverage vary by program.
| Program Name | Details |
| Ontario Seniors Dental Care Program (OSDCP) | Low-income seniors ages 65+. |
| Healthy Smiles Ontario Program (HSO) | Children and youth ages 17 and under. |
| Ontario Works | Eligible Ontario Works clients. |
| Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) | Adults 18-64 with incomes under $70,000 per year. |
| Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) | Eligible adults with disabilities. |
| Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB) Program | Registered First Nations and recognized Inuit. |
| Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP) | Eligible individuals needing short-term coverage. |
Call 416-338-7600 to speak with Toronto Public Health staff about your dental care options.
You may qualify for dental care at a low-cost dental facility.
Eligible seniors (65+) may qualify for the Ontario Seniors Dental Care Program (OSDCP).
Seniors who have applied for the OSDCP and are found ineligible, may still qualify for Toronto’s municipal dental programs. Call 416-338-7600 to find out.
Tel: 416-916-0204
Toll-free: 1-833-207-4435
TTY: 1-800-855-0511
Website: Dental care for seniors.
Toronto Public Health (TPH) works in partnership with Seniors Services and Long-Term Care to deliver dental care directly to residents through wheelchair-accessible mobile vans.
Toronto Public Health conducts annual dental screenings in Toronto’s four public school boards. Parents are notified in advance and can opt out.
The school screening programs do not replace a dental examination that is done at a dentist’s office. It flags early signs of possible dental concerns that should be looked at more closely.
If you are enrolled in a TPH prenatal or parenting program, your public health nurse, dietitian or home visitor may refer you to a TPH dental clinic. A referral form must be completed by program staff.
You must visit a TPH clinic in person to be assessed.
Book an appointment at one of dental clinics by calling a location near you or call 416-338-7600. We have interpretation services available for many languages and our staff will help determine if you are eligible for service.
Estimated time: 5-15 minutes
Digital X-rays may be taken to help the dentist assess areas that are not visible during a visual examination. They can help identify, cavities, bone loss, infections or abscesses, impacted teeth, and concerns with existing dental work.
Estimated time: 5 to 10 min
The dentist will perform a thorough examination of your teeth, gums, tongue, jaw joints, bite alignment, oral tissues
Estimated time: 10-20 minutes
After your examination, the dentist will review:
Before you leave, the dental team will:
Let the Dental Clerk know when booking your appointment. TPH can schedule extra time and walk you through what to expect, which can help reduce anxiety before your visit.
Our staff speak many languages but if they don’t speak your preferred language, TPH will provide interpretation and translation support. You’re also welcome to bring your own interpreter or support person.
TPH staff can connect you with community resources and support services through established referral pathways and will discuss your available options during your appointment
Fluoride is a mineral that occurs naturally in soil, air and water. Fluoride is added to municipal water supplies in many communities internationally, including Toronto, as a public health measure to help reduce tooth decay. This practice is supported by extensive scientific research and is endorsed by major health organizations, including Health Canada, the Canadian Dental Association, and the World Health Organization.
Health Canada recommends a fluoride concentration in drinking water within a range of 0.6 mg/L – 0.8 mg/L. While fluoride occurs naturally in Toronto’s water, its concentration is too low to prevent tooth decay. That is why the City of Toronto adjusts the concentration of fluoride in tap water to 0.6 mg/L, the lowest concentration necessary for fluoride to be effective. In our community, fluoride levels are carefully monitored and maintained by Toronto Water within the guidelines set by Health Canada.
The health and well-being of City of Toronto residents is Toronto Public Health’s top priority, and we are committed to evidence-based practices and transparency.
For more information about Toronto’s clean, safe drinking water including questions about fluoride, visit Tap Water in Toronto.
Toronto Public Health provides annual dental screenings in local public and separate schools. Parents are notified in advance of the screenings and are able to opt out if they do not want their child to be screened.
The dental screening process is as follows:
Please send claims for Healthy Smiles Ontario Dental Program to:
If you work for a community agency and you have a client who needs dental care, contact one of our dental clinics. Our staff will help you determine if your client is eligible for free care, or care at a reduced cost in another facility.
Oral health education and screenings are also available for seniors in long-term care facilities, nursing homes and collective living centres.