Hastings and Prince Edward Counties/April 29, 2025
As Oral Health Month comes to a close, South East Health Unit (SEHU, formerly Hastings Prince Edward Public Health) is making it easier for seniors and children to access free preventative dental care in Hastings and Prince Edward Counties with the launch of the mobile dental bus.
Keeping up with regular dental care can prevent or address dental concerns that can have an impact on quality of life and overall health, but the cost of dental care can make it difficult for some individuals and families to access the care and preventative services they need. SEHU offers free dental care for eligible seniors and children through the Ontario Seniors Dental Care Program (OSDCP) and the Healthy Smiles Ontario program (HSO).
Dental services for seniors and children are available at the SEHU office in Belleville. Beginning in May, services will also be available two days per month on the mobile dental bus in each of the following locations:
- Madoc: Central Hastings Park overflow parking space (38 Seymour St. West)
- Marmora: Dr. Hamilton Crawford Memorial Arena (28 Victoria St)
- Picton: Prince Edward Community Centre (375 Main St)
- Wellington: Wellington and District Community Centre (111 Belleville St.)
All dental services are by appointment only and can be booked by contacting the SEHU Oral Health Team at 613-966-5500 or 1-800-267-2803, ext. 680.
“Proper dental care is important for every member of our community,” says Kelly Palmateer, Oral Health Manager at SEHU. “By providing services through the Ontario Seniors Dental Care Program and Healthy Smiles Ontario, we are making it easier for people who may face financial barriers in Hastings and Prince Edward Counties to access this important care. We are excited to launch the mobile dental bus in May, which will allow us to improve access to those programs.”
The Ontario Seniors Dental Care Program is available to individuals who:
- Are 65 years of age or older
- Are residents of Ontario
- Meet the income requirements:
- An annual net income of $25,000 or less for a single senior
- A combined annual net income of $41,500 or less for a couple
- Have no other form of dental benefits (except for the Canada Dental Care Plan)
The Healthy Smiles Ontario program is available to children 17 years of age and younger who have difficulty affording the cost of dental cleanings and checkups, or who have urgent needs and cannot pay for treatment.
Individuals who do not qualify for OSDCP or HSO may be eligible for the Canadian Dental Care Plan. Learn more about this program by visiting Canada.ca/Dental or by calling 1-833-537-4342.
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Media contacts
Sara Hart, Communications Specialist
hart.sara@hpeph.ca
Maureen Hyland, Communications Specialist
hyland.maureen@hpeph.ca
The South East Health Unit (formerly Hastings Prince Edward Public Health) is situated and provides services on the traditional territory of the Anishinaabe, Huron-Wendat and Haudenosaunee people.
