Ontario Seniors Dental Care Program (OSDCP)
The provincially funded OSDCP is implemented by Public Health Units to provide free, routine dental care to low-income seniors who are 65 years of age and older. In 2023, the WECHU Oral Health department supported 5,201 dental appointments to 1,540 clients enrolled in the OSDCP. This included 483 emergency exams and 569 new patient exams. Denture services, including relines, repairs, and fabrication of new dentures, were provided to 253 clients over 993 office visits, with a total of 141 new dentures delivered. Access to transportation and translation services were also provided to support access to care for dental appointments.
Healthy Smiles Ontario (HSO)
The WECHU Oral Health department supported children and youth 17 years of age and younger to access free dental care services through the Healthy Smiles Ontario (HSO) program, a provincially funded program implemented through Public Health Units and participating private dental clinics. In 2023, a total of 2,790 appointments were supported for 1,503 children in the WECHU dental clinics, which included 1,251 dental screenings. In addition, the WECHU Oral Health department provided free oral health education and support to parents and children through the Baby Oral Health Program (BOHP), which included a dental screening by a registered dental hygienist, along with oral health education and support in finding a dental home. Participation in community events included health and wellness expos, school readiness events, and 14 oral health education sessions for priority populations in Early On Centres.