April is Oral Health Month
Oral health is an important part of overall health. Good oral health helps people eat, speak, learn, work, and live pain‑free.
Need help finding or paying for dental care?
Ottawa Public Health (OPH) can help residents who face barriers related to cost, insurance coverage, or finding a dental provider. Call the Dental Information Line: 613‑580‑3300. Staff can provide information, check eligibility, and help connect residents to services.
Access to dental services in Ottawa
Free dental screenings and fluoride varnish applications are available for residents of all ages at various locations across Ottawa↗.
Dental hygienists can also:
Help residents enrol in dental programs
Provide referrals based on dental coverage and eligibility
Share personalized oral health guidance to help maintain a healthy smile
Help paying for dental care:
Healthy Smiles Ontario↗ - Dental coverage for children and youth under 18 from low‑income households.
Ontario Seniors Dental Care Program↗ - Dental care for eligible low‑income seniors aged 65 and older who do not have other dental benefits.
Canada Dental Care Plan↗ – Helps make the cost of dental care more affordable for eligible Canadians of all ages.
OPH dental clinics
Eligibility for clinic services depends on age, income, dental coverage, and program enrollment. Residents can call 613‑580‑3300 to confirm eligibility and book an appointment.
West Clinic: 1580 Merivale Road, Suite 400
South Clinic: 2525 St. Laurent Boulevard, Suite 201
Downtown Clinic: 40 Cobourg Street
East Clinic: 255 Centrum Boulevard
First Nations, Inuit and Metis: Wabano Centre for Aboriginal Health, 299 Montreal Road
Reaching children who will benefit the most
In addition to yearly dental screenings in elementary schools, OPH is prioritizing childcare centres in communities with greater need.
Starting April 15th, 50 childcare centres will receive dental screening visits. Families of children who need follow‑up care will receive help connecting to services, such as finding a dental provider, enrolling in programs like Healthy Smiles Ontario, or navigating referrals.
For more information, please visit our OPH website: Dental Health Services – Ottawa Public Health↗.