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.

The Ontario Seniors Dental Care Program (OSDCP) is a government-funded program. It provides free dental services for low-income seniors who are 65 years of age or older.

Note: You can still qualify for the OSDCP if you also have coverage through the Canada Dental Care Plan.

Services provided:

Coverage includes:

• check-ups
• cleanings, including scaling, fluoride and polishing
• repairing broken teeth and cavities
• x-rays
• removing teeth or abnormal tissue (oral surgery)
• treating infection and pain
• treating gum conditions and diseases (periodontal services)
• dentures (partial coverage)

Eligibility:

You can apply for the program if you:

• are 65 years of age or older
• live in Ontario
• do not have private dental benefits
• have an annual net income of:
  • $25,000 or less (for singles)
  • $41,500 or less (for couples)
• Having coverage through the Canadian Dental Care Program (CDCP) does not count as private dental insurance. You can still qualify for the OSDCP while also being enrolled in the CDCP.

Coverage Period:

Once you are enrolled in the program, your coverage will automatically renew each year as long as you have filed your taxes and continue to meet the financial eligibility.

Coverage for all clients ends every year on July 31, regardless of when you first enrolled.

If you do not file your taxes on time or no longer meet the financial eligibility requirements, your coverage will end on July 31st. You will then need to re-enroll once you have filed your taxes or become financially eligible again.

Note: If you have applied online in the past using your SIN number, you must reapply by mail.

How To Apply:

You can apply to the program in one of three ways:

1. Apply Online

Complete your application through: Ontario Seniors Dental Care Program Application.

Please note, if you have already applied for the program in the past using your SIN number, you must reapply by mail.

 

2. Apply by Mail

Complete the online application, then print, sign, and mail the consent form within 30 days to:

Ontario Seniors Dental Care Program
Station P, P.O. Box 159
Toronto, Ontario
M5S 2S7

 

3. Request a Paper Application

If you prefer a paper application to complete by hand, you can request one by contacting RCDHU at:

• • 613‑735‑8661
  • dentalservices@rcdhu.com

A paper application will be mailed directly to you.

 

If you need assistance applying to the program, or completing the application paperwork, please contact our Dental Services team at: 613-735-8661.

For full details on applying to the program, visit Ontario’s: Dental care for seniors.

 

How to book a dental appointment:

If you are approved for the OSDCP, you will receive your OSDCP dental card in the mail (see image below). Once you have your dental card, you can book a dental appointment at an RCDHU clinic.

In our region, OSDCP services are only available at the following locations:

• Pembroke
  Renfrew County and District Health Unit
  141 Lake Street, Suite 100, Pembroke

 

• Barry’s Bay
  St. Francis Memorial Hospital (SFMH)
  7 St. Francis Memorial Drive, Barry’s Bay

 

 

Book an Appointment:

To schedule a dental appointment with RCDHU, please contact:

• 613‑735‑8661 or 1‑800‑267‑1097
• dentalservices@rcdhu.com

Additional Information:

For complete details on the OSDCP, please visit Government of Ontario’s: Dental Care for Seniors. 

To find out 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.

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