(CORNWALL) – The Government of Ontario is providing $25 million through the Ontario Seniors Dental Capital Program to expand access to the Ontario Seniors Dental Program. The funding will be used to support 78 infrastructure projects across the province, including building new dental clinics and renovating existing facilities. The province is also adding eight new mobile dental clinics that will bring services directly to clients, making it easier for vulnerable seniors to access the dental care they need.  

Today, Jim McDonell, MPP for Stormont-Dundas-South Glengarry, announced that Eastern Ontario Health Unit will receive up to $397,500 to improve access to dental care for low-income seniors in Cornwall.  

“This is great news for our local seniors who may struggle to maintain good dental health. I am confident the new clinic will be well utilized and will improve the quality of life for many seniors,” said MPP McDonell.  

Support from the program will relocate the Dental Clinic from the Seaway Valley Community Health Centre to the Cornwall Eastern Ontario Health Unit office at 1000 Pitt Street.  

Funds will be used to renovate existing space (e.g., board rooms, conference room and washrooms) to create a new dental suite, and re-locate two dental procedure rooms, a reprocessing room and a Panorex x-ray machine, to this office space.  

The Ontario Seniors Dental Care Program provides free routine dental care for eligible low-income seniors across the province who do not have dental benefits. Ontarians aged 65 or over with an income of $19,300 or less, or couples with a combined annual income of $32,300 or less will qualify for the program.  

“Our government is investing in dental infrastructure projects across Ontario to ensure low-income seniors will have better and faster access to the services they need no matter where they live,” said Christine Elliott, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health. “Ontario Seniors Dental Care Program is a key part of our plan to end hallway health care by providing seniors with access to quality dental care and keeping them out of hospitals.”  

The Ontario Seniors Dental Care Program will reduce unnecessary trips to the hospital and help to eliminate hallway health care, prevent chronic disease and improve the quality of life and overall well-being for eligible seniors. Once fully implemented, the program will serve approximately 100,000 low-income seniors annually across the province.  

“Our government is committed to making sure our seniors stay safe and healthy,” said Minister Cho. “Expanding the Ontario Seniors Dental Care Program and offering mobile services will make it easier for those who have difficulty getting out of their home, or for those living in rural or remote parts of the province.”  

Eligible seniors can apply to the program online, or by picking up an application form at a local public health unit.