Support our Neighbours Without Homes on Valentine's Day!
Helping people exit homelessness includes addressing barriers to their well being. Many of the people we support have not had access to dental care or the facilities to participate in good dental hygiene. We often encounter people who are in significant pain due to dental infections, broken teeth, cavities, etc. Dental benefits provided through social incomes (OW/ODSP) are not adequate to properly support someone who has complex dental challenges. In response to the gap in resources available, OLS offers a Dental Fund to help people experiencing homelessness in the Kingston area develop healthy smiles.
As we approve applications to OLS's Dental Fund, we will list completed assistance here.
$120 - Post surgery prescriptions not covered by ODSP
$3695 - Full extraction surgery with IV sedation
$3634 - Upper and Lower Dentures. A new smile!
Our Livable Solutions’ Dental Fund has been developed to address a gap in dental benefits available to those with limited incomes. The OLS Dental Fund is designed to support the dental needs of current or former residents of the OLS Sleeping Cabin Community. If the balance in the Dental Fund allows, dental costs for other people who are experiencing homelessness or precariously housed within 20 kilometers of the Greater Kingston, ON Area could also be considered.
Funding will be considered for any costs associated with dental well being including, but not limited to:
Dental procedures,
Medications prescribed after dental procedures,
Dental appliances, such as dentures,
Transportation costs related to accessing surgical dental procedures.
OLS has tried to create a low barrier application process, recognizing the challenges already being faced by those struggling without a home. First step is to acquire a quote for the dental procedure or appliance needed and submit it through our online application form. The form may be submitted online, printed and mailed or dropped off at Unit 106 - 82 Sydenham Street in Kingston. If you need assistance completing the application, please contact OLS at (613)383-2292, we can help you complete the application over the phone. Apply Here
Thanks to an agreement with the Community Foundation for Kingston & Area contributions towards our resident's dental needs can now receive charitable tax receipts!
Information about making a charitable donation can be found here.
OLS's Dental Fund Policy can be viewed here.
The Dental Fund Advisory Committee (DFAC) is a group of volunteers who make decisions about Dental Fund applications, and assists OLS with policies and procedures related to OLS's Dental Fund. More volunteers are always welcome, DFAC meets as needed, within 10 days of receiving a Dental Fund Application. Please email volunteer@ourlivable.solutions to help people attain healthy smiles.
Kingston Community Health Centre Dental Health Program
Oral health services to low-income individuals and families with limited or no access to dental care.
Ontario Seniors Dental Care Program
Provides free, routine dental services for low-income seniors who are 65 years of age or older.
Dental Treatment Assistance Fund
Provides one time $200 contribution for emergency dental treatment.
Municipal Fee Assistance Program
Allows working residents who have low incomes and are not supported by Ontario Works or the Ontario Disability Support Program to access adult dental care, vision care, glasses or contact lenses and prescription medications.
Coming Soon! A federal dental care plan for Canadians who do not have access to dental benefits.
Non-insured Health Benefits for First Nations and Inuit
Provides eligible First Nations and Inuit clients with coverage for a range of health benefits that are not otherwise covered.
We are awaiting details about how the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) will be implemented. Some good news is that people with coverage through social programs (OW / ODSP) will be able to apply for CDCP benefits starting in 2025. If a person has a Disability Tax Credit Certificate, they can apply starting June 2024. Coverage will be coordinated between the plans to ensure there are no gaps or duplications.
According to this analysis, the rates paid to dentists for CDCP insured services will be 80% less than standard dentistry rates and the government may allow billing patients for the cost difference, keeping people with lower incomes at a disadvantage.