Funding Gap Leaves Dental Clinics Closed, Peel Seniors Struggle for Essential Care
Three dental clinics, specifically built to meet the urgent needs of low-income seniors in Mississauga and Brampton, remain unopened due to a critical $7.5 million funding shortfall. The closures continue to cost local taxpayers approximately $250,000 in leasing fees, despite no services being provided.
The clinics, located at 71 King Street West and 2520 Eglinton Avenue West in Mississauga, and 5 Montpelier Street in Brampton, were fully prepared to operate under the Ontario Seniors Dental Care Program (OSDCP). Additionally, a specialized mobile dental unit designed to reach seniors in remote and underserved areas is also currently out of service.
Paul Sharma, Director of Chronic Disease and Injury Prevention at Peel Public Health, explained in a presentation to Peel Regional Council on March 20, 2025, that the funding shortfall originated from an initial underestimate of program enrollment. The Ontario government had anticipated 7,000 seniors would enroll when the program began in 2019; however, actual enrollment has soared to 21,000, leaving approximately 7,000 seniors still on the waiting list.
“This shortfall means fewer seniors in Peel will have access to essential dental care, which significantly impacts their oral health and overall quality of life,” Sharma emphasized. He further described the extensive nature of the treatment required, noting that many seniors face additional health complications and require costly dental work such as dentures.
Mississauga Mayor Carolyn Parrish expressed frustration at the ongoing situation. “It’s unacceptable. We’ve repeatedly raised concerns about being underfunded, and yet we’re seeing no improvements. These fully-equipped clinics are just sitting empty, which is extremely concerning.”
Peel Public Health is now focusing its efforts on advocacy, urging provincial authorities at Queen’s Park and the federal government to address the critical funding gap and ensure Peel’s vulnerable senior population receives the dental care they desperately need.