Healthy Smiles Ontario (HSO) is a new, no-cost dental program for children/teens 17 and under who do not have access to any dental coverage and who meet the program’s eligibility requirements.  Click here to learn more about the HSO Program.

What does HSO cover?

If your family is eligible for the program, your children will receive a full range of dental services including:

• regular check-ups with a licensed dental care provider (dentist or dental hygienist)
• cleanings
• fillings
• x-rays

The program works like a dental insurance. Clients will be given a "Client Card", which can be taken to a dental provider for treatment.

The program does not cover cosmetic dentistry (such as tooth whitening), orthodontics (such as braces) or urgent/emergency dental services.  

Urgent/emergency care for children/teens 17 and under may be covered through the Children In Need of Treatment (CINOT) program, which is also offered by the Health Unit. 

Who is Eligible?

Children and teens who are 17 and under may be eligible if they:

• are residents of Ontario; 
• are members of a household with an Adjusted Family Net Income of $20,000 per year or less; and,
• do not have access to any form of dental coverage (including other government-funded programs, like Ontario Works).

Documents which show a family's financial eligibility will be required.

Which documents are required?

You will be asked to fill out a form (see the links below).

You will also need to show original documents that show financial eligibility, such as your: 

• Ontario Child Tax Benefit Notice; or,
• Ontario Sales Tax Credit Notice.

Both of these documents list your “Adjusted Family Net Income”, which is used to determine eligibility. These documents need to be from the most current tax year.

Identification is also required: Ontario Health Cards are preferred.

If you are missing any of these documents, you may still qualify. Call us to find out more.

Application Process

You will need to make an appointment at the Health Unit to complete your application. Call the Healthy Smiles Ontario Program at the contact information below to make an appointment.

In areas outside of Thunder Bay, you will visit with the Public Health Nurse at your local branch office to complete the application.

Click on the links below for HSO application forms in French or English.  You can fill out the form prior to your appointment. Have your spouse or common-law partner sign the form as well.

HSO Application Form - English 

HSO Application Form - French

Remember to bring original copies of the financial documents (Ontario Child Tax Benefit Notice or your Ontario Sales Tax Credit Notice from the most current tax year) as well as identification for you and your children.

Call us to find out more about the program, the eligibility requirements, the application process and the documents required to verify eligibility.

Visit the Healthy Smiles Ontario website for more information.

Contact us!

Contact the Healthy Smiles Ontario program in Thunder Bay & District:

In Thunder Bay, call 807-625-5949.

In the District, call us toll-free at 1-888-294-6630 x 5949, or contact your local branch office.