Board of Health for Public Health Sudbury & Districts, February 19, 2026
Motion moved by Tessier – Barclay
15-26 Healthy smiles ontario fee schedule and the impacts it has on access to dental care for children and youth
MOTION:
WHEREAS children and youth in Ontario face significant barriers in accessing dental care through the Healthy Smiles Ontario (HSO) program due to a fee schedule that result in reduced provider participation; and
WHEREAS acceptance of HSO is at the discretion of individual dental providers, and many offices choose not to participate because reimbursement rates under the HSO Schedule of Dental Services and Fees are substantially lower than the 2025 Ontario Dental Association (ODA) Suggested Fee Guide for General Practitioners; and
WHEREAS delayed or untreated dental issues can lead to pain, impaired concentration and school performance, disrupted eating and sleeping patterns, permanent tooth damage, the need for surgery under anesthesia, and in the most severe cases, life-threatening conditions; and
WHEREAS early prevention and detection significantly improve health outcomes and reduce strain on the healthcare system;
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of Health requests that the Ministry of Health increase reimbursement rates outlined in the Healthy Smiles Ontario (HSO) Schedule of Dental Services and Fees for dentist providers, so that they align with the 2026 Ontario Dental Association (ODA) Suggested Fee Guide for General Practitioners, in order to encourage provider participation in HSO and improve access to care for children and youth; and
FURTHER THAT the Board directs the Medical Officer of Health to engage in both cross-agency collaboration with other local public health agencies and agency-level advocacy to strengthen the case for improved HSO fee scheduling.
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY