Advancing Health Equity in Grey Bruce

In Grey and Bruce counties, many residents face significant barriers to accessing essential health services, including dental care. The Moving Forward on Health Equity Group is committed to dismantling these barriers by promoting equitable health solutions tailored to our community’s unique needs.

Why Health Equity Matters

Health equity ensures that every individual has a fair opportunity to attain their highest level of health, regardless of socioeconomic status, location, or background. In our region, factors such as income disparities, cultural stigmas, and limited access to services contribute to health inequities that we must address collectively.

The Moving Forward on Health Equity group promotes health equity in our communities. To this end they have developed a Health Equity for All Tool that guides you in making your programs, services, and activities better for all who access them.

Take Action: Advocate for Health Equity

Join us in promoting health equity in Grey and Bruce counties:

  • Educate Yourself and Others: Learn about the what is health equity with our training videos and share information with your community.
  • Support Local Initiatives: Volunteer with organizations working to improve health access.
  • Engage with Policymakers: Advocate for policies that address health disparities.
  • Utilize Available Tools: Implement the Health Equity for All Tool in your programs and services.

Spotlight on Oral Health: A Critical Component of Well-being

Oral health is a vital aspect of overall health, yet many in our community cannot afford basic dental care. Untreated dental issues can lead to severe health complications, impacting quality of life and increasing healthcare costs. Far too many people in Grey County and Bruce County are in pain because they cannot afford basic oral healthcare. 

The Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP): Bridging the Gap

The Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) is a federal initiative designed to make dental care more accessible and affordable for eligible Canadians.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the CDCP, you must:

  • Lack access to dental insurance (including employer or private plans).
  • Have an adjusted family net income under $90,000.
  • Be a Canadian resident for tax purposes.
  • Have filed your tax return for the previous year.(canada.ca, canada.ca)

Note: Individuals with existing government dental coverage may still be eligible, with coordination between programs to prevent overlap.

Canada Dental Care Plan information sheet – CLEO Connect explains how it’s linked to dental benefits in other Ontario plans, such as Healthy Smiles Ontario, Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP), and Ontario Works (OW).

Phased Application Rollout

The CDCP is available now for all ages:

  • Seniors aged 65 and over: Applications opened in December 2023.
  • Adults with a valid Disability Tax Credit certificate and children under 18: Applications opened on June 27, 2024.
  • All other eligible residents aged 18 to 64: Applications opened in May 2025, with coverage starting on June 1, 2025.

Cost Structure

Coverage is based on your adjusted family net income:

  • Income under $70,000: No co-payment; 100% coverage.
  • Income between $70,000 and $79,999: 60% coverage; 40% co-payment.
  • Income between $80,000 and $89,999: 40% coverage; 60% co-payment.

Note: The CDCP does not cover cosmetic dental procedures.

How to Apply

Applications can be submitted online through the My Service Canada Account (MSCA) or by contacting Service Canada at 1-833-537-4342. Ensure you have your Social Insurance Number, tax information, and details of any existing dental coverage when applying.

Resources

Health Equity means that ALL members of the community have opportunities to be healthy and receive quality care that is fair and appropriate to their needs, no matter where they live, what they have or who they are (Health Quality Ontario, 2018).

Together, we can create a community where everyone has the opportunity to achieve optimal health.

For more information or to get involved, please contact the Bruce Grey Poverty Task Force at (519) 376-1560 or email povertytaskforce@unitedwaybg.com.

For information on free income tax services for people with low income call 211 or go to: Free Community Volunteer Income Tax Clinics Grey Bruce