Healthy Smiles Ontario Dental Treatment Program

If your family needs help paying for your child’s dental care, you may be eligible for free dental care through the Healthy Smiles Ontario (HSO) program.

Find out what the program offers, if your child qualifies, and learn how to apply by visiting: Healthy Smiles Ontario.

Paper copies of HSO applications are available at Service Ontario locations and RCDHU’s office at 141 Lake Street, Pembroke. Paper copies can also be mailed to you. Contact our Dental Services line at 613-735-8661 to request a print copy.

If your child needs emergency dental care, contact our Dental Services line at 613-735-8661.

Dental Screening in Elementary Schools

Our Oral Health Team visits all elementary schools across Renfrew County and District to provide dental screenings for students in specific grades. These quick checks help identify children with visual concerns or needs so we can follow up and offer support.

Please note: Screenings are not a substitute for regular dental visits.

After the screening, each student will receive a Dental Report Card to take home. This report includes the results of the screening and information for families who may qualify for free oral health services through the Healthy Smiles Ontario Program.

Good oral health is an important part of overall health and well-being. To learn about the different ways to care for your mouth and prevent dental disease, visit Ontario Dental Association’s Oral Health Basics – Care and Disease Prevention.

These Oral Care Tips and Techniques are from the Ontario Dental Association:

Brushing and Flossing

• Brushing and flossing remove food debris from your mouth and prevent the buildup of plaque. Plaque build-up contributes to tooth decay and gum disease.
• Whether using an electric or a manual toothbrush, you want to ensure you have the proper brushing technique.

Nutrition

• Just like our bodies, our teeth and gums need many essential vitamins and minerals to stay strong and healthy.
• To maintain strong teeth for your lifetime, make sure you eat enough whole-grains, nuts, fruits and vegetables, lean proteins and calcium-rich foods.
• You can enjoy the occasional treat, just do it in moderation.

Tips for Kids and Babies

• Dental care basics are the same for everyone. But kids have different dental care needs compared to adults and seniors.
• Regular visits to your dentist, daily brushing and flossing, and a healthy diet should help your teeth last a lifetime.
• The Canadian Dental Association recommends a first visit to the dentists within 6 months of the eruption of the first tooth or by one year of age.

Tips for Teens

• Dental care basics are the same for everyone. But teens have different dental care needs compared to adults and seniors.
• Teens are exposed to more risky oral health trends such as piercing and smoking. These can be serious detriments to long-term oral health.
• Regular visits to your dentist, daily brushing and flossing, and a healthy diet should help your teeth last a lifetime.

Tips for Adults

• Our mouths change as we enter adulthood. Healthy maintenance and routine dental appointments are the best way to prevent oral diseases into adulthood.

Tips for Seniors and Caregivers

• Seniors are at greater risk of developing tooth decay, gum disease, dry mouth and oral cancer.
• Daily mouth care is the simplest way to keep teeth and gums healthy.
• Visit your dentist every year, even if you wear dentures.

Dental Care for Persons with Special Needs

• The Ontario Dental Association and Canadian Dental Association have developed tips for parents, caregivers, and persons with special health care needs.

For more information on oral health, visit Ontario Dental Association.

Additional Resources

• Ontario Association for Public Health Dentistry
• Canadian Dental Association

Low-income seniors may be able to get free dental care with the Ontario Seniors Dental Care Program (OSDCP).

Eligibility (increased in 2024):

You can apply for the program if you:

• are 65 years of age or older
• live in Ontario
• do not have dental benefits
• have an annual net income of:
  • $25,000 or less (for singles)
  • $41,500 or less (for couples)
• You may qualify for the Canadian Dental Care Program and still be eligible for the OSDCP provided you meet the eligibility criteria.

For more information, visit Ontario Seniors Dental Care Program.

If you would like a paper application mailed to you, contact RCDHU’s Dental Services line at 613-735-8661.

How to book an appointment with OSDCP:

• If you qualify, you will receive your OSDCP card in the mail.
• When you receive your OSDCP dental card, you can book a dental appointment by calling RCDHU’s Dental Services line at 613-735-8661.

The program is only available at these locations in our region:

• Renfrew County and District Health Unit – 141 Lake Street, Pembroke
• St. Francis Memorial Hospital (SFMH) – 7 St. Francis Memorial Drive, Barry’s Bay

There is a wait time for some services. Urgent needs will be seen as soon as possible.

Information on the dental services covered by the OSDCP is available at Ontario’s: Dental Care for Seniors. 

To find out about the status of your application form, please contact the Ontario Seniors Dental Care Program line at 1-833-207-4435, TTY: 1-800-855-0511.

The CDCP helps eligible Canadians with household incomes under $90,000 a year access affordable dental care.

How to Enrol:
Visit: Canadian Dental Care Plan – Canada.ca, or
Call: 1-833-537-4342.

Once enrolled, you’ll receive a CDCP card. Show this card at every dental visit to access benefits.

Find a Participating Dentist:
Use Sun Life’s CDCP Provider Search, or Call 1-888-888-8110.

Important:
For more details or help applying, visit a Service Canada Centre near you. Renew your CDCP application every year to keep coverage.