Closed
Healthy Smiles Ontario (HSO) program
Free dental coverage for eligible children and youth
Last Update: May 6, 2026
Funding available
Varies by project
Timeline
- Receipt of requests is now closed
Location
Ontario, Canada
Overview
Healthy Smiles Ontario provides free dental coverage for eligible children and youth aged 17 and under. The program supports preventive, routine, and emergency dental services, including check-ups, cleanings, fillings, x-rays, and other covered treatment.
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Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Increase social or community impact
- Enhance an existing program
- Optimize production processes
Eligible Funding
- Varies by project
Timeline
- Receipt of requests is now closed
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Health care and social assistance
Location
- Ontario
Legal structures
- Public or Parapublic institution
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Canadians
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Streetscape and pedestrian infrastructure projects.
- Active transportation projects.
- Projects within a Regional-scale network or locally initiated projects in the Region.
Documents Needed
- HSO application form
- Signed Consent Form
- Consent or enrollment documents for EESS, if applicable
- Guarantor form, if applying without SIN or recent tax filing
- Change of Information form, if updating an enrolled client’s details
Official resources
Program guide
Application form
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Municipalities in York Region.
- Non-profit organizations.
- Other local stakeholders involved in regional transportation projects.
Who is not eligible
- Projects already fully funded by other sources.
- Projects focused on localized recreational cycling or walking.
Eligible expenses
- Covered dental services such as check-ups, cleaning, fillings, x-rays, scaling, and tooth extraction.
- Emergency and essential dental treatment.
- Preventive services, including fluoride and sealants where applicable.
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Cosmetic dentistry, including teeth whitening.
- Braces and orthodontics.
- Services not listed in the Healthy Smiles Ontario fee schedule.
Eligible geographic areas
- York Region, Ontario
Selection criteria
- Alignment with Regional plans, policies, guidelines, and design and safety standards.
- Potential community benefit from an active transportation and streetscape perspective.
- Project readiness and construction timing within the budget year.
- Level of connections and linkages, including transit connections.
- Cost effectiveness and funding leverage.
How to apply
- Step 1: Submit Phase 1 application
- Use the online application form by June 1.
- Include the required preliminary project information and supporting material.
- Step 2: Submit Phase 2 design package
- Provide the complete design study and detailed cost breakdown by September 15.
- Include the required tender-ready project materials and agreements.
- Step 3: Await budget approval
- Successful applications are forwarded for Council approval in the budget process.
- Funding is committed after the Regional Roads Capital Budget is approved.
- Step 4: Complete the project and report back
- Use the funding within three years of the award.
- Submit photos and a one-page summary after completion.
Processing and Agreement
- Applications are reviewed by the Program Administrator, Accerta.
- Applicants receive notice by mail, fax, or telephone depending on the stream.
- Approved clients receive a dental card by mail.
- Providers must wait for confirmation before proceeding with treatment in EESS cases.
Additional information
- Children with other dental insurance may still be eligible.
- Accerta administers enrolment, claims, and pre-authorizations.
- A Healthy Smiles Ontario dental card is issued after enrolment.
- Clients must present the card at each visit.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Healthy Smiles Ontario (HSO) program Program
What is the Healthy Smiles Ontario (HSO) program?
Healthy Smiles Ontario provides free dental coverage for eligible children and youth aged 17 and under. The program supports preventive, routine, and emergency dental services, including check-ups, cleanings, fillings, x-rays, and other covered treatment.
Who is eligible for the Healthy Smiles Ontario (HSO) program program?
To be eligible for the Healthy Smiles Ontario (HSO) program program, you must:
Children 17 and under
Ontario residents
Income-eligible households
What expenses are eligible under Healthy Smiles Ontario (HSO) program?
Streetscape and pedestrian infrastructure projects.
Active transportation projects.
Projects within a Regional-scale network or locally initiated projects in the Region.
Who can I contact for more information about the Healthy Smiles Ontario (HSO) program?
You can contact Regional Municipality of York by email at HSOInfo@accerta.ca or by phone at 416-363-3377.
Where is the Healthy Smiles Ontario (HSO) program available?
The Healthy Smiles Ontario (HSO) program program is available the province of Ontario.
Is the Healthy Smiles Ontario (HSO) program a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Healthy Smiles Ontario (HSO) program is a Other Support
Who are the financial supporters of the Healthy Smiles Ontario (HSO) program?
Healthy Smiles Ontario (HSO) program is funded by Regional Municipality of York