Free or Reduced Rates for Dental Services

A mere 62% of people in Canada have private dental insurance. If you’re part of the 38% that does not, you can possibly get dental care either free-of-charge or at a reduced rate depending on your situation.

Some colleges have dental programs that are linked to clinics offering reduced-cost oral hygiene services and dental care.

Find out if there are any dentists doing any free work in your area. For example, my dentist recently advertised free dental cleanings and extractions to the first 50 people to call for an appointment. A certain number of dentists will extend this type of “goodwill” gesture at some time or other to those who don’t have coverage. 

Here are some examples of FREE dental care options for children in Ontario:

Children in Need of Treatment (CINOT) program
If you reside in Ontario and have a child under the age of 18 who requires urgent dental care, but you can’t afford it, you may qualify for aid with CINOT.

Healthy Smiles Ontario is a program designed for children under 18 who live in Ontario and do not have access to any form of dental coverage. If deemed eligible, your child can get regular dental services at no cost to you. Check for a location nearest you by choosing from one of the 36 local public health units in Ontario who have partnered with local community health centers, primary care providers, dentists, hospitals, and schools and universities.

Dental Health Bus
If you’re fortunate enough to live in the City of Hamilton in Ontario, they have what’s called “The Dental Health Bus,” a mobile outreach clinic providing dental services free of charge to residents of Hamilton. 

 

Government Dental Programs
Although general dental health care is not covered in the Canada Health Act (CHA), some dental services are covered through certain government dental programs such as: 

• Ontario Works 
• Ontario Disability Support Program (Dental Special Care Plan) 
• Assistance for Severely Disabled Children (ASDC)

What is Periodontitis?

Periodontitis

Are the gums surrounding your teeth red and puffy? Do they bleed when you brush? Do you have chronic bad breath or a taste of metal in your mouth?  If you answered yes to more than one of those questions, you may have periodontitis.

Periodontitis is a gum disease that develops on account of bacterial growth in your mouth. If left untreated, it can lead to the destruction of the tissues that enclose your teeth, resulting in eventual tooth loss.

Gingivitis, which is inflammation of the gums, can potentially lead to periodontitis. Gingivitis typically happens when significant plaque build-up causes gums to bleed. Although it is alarming, it is not irreversible because bone damage has not occurred yet. Once gingivitis has advanced to periodontitis, bone is affected and the inner layer of the gums starts to pull away from the teeth, forming pockets that fill with debris, promoting infection. When periodontitis is not treated, you’re faced with the eventual break down of bone, causing the teeth to lose their anchoring and ultimately fall out.    

Age, smoking, hormonal changes, illnesses such as diabetes or HIV/AIDS, and some genetic factors can put you at risk for periodontitis. 

Bear in mind that plaque hardens and turns to tartar, a rock hard substance on the teeth that can only be removed by a dentist or oral hygienist.  A yearly visit to your dentist will not only uphold your general health but can also greatly decrease your chances of developing periodontitis. 

Click here to inquire about dental insurance coverage.