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Dental & Vision Care Services

RCDHU can assist with enrolment of the Healthy Smiles Ontario Program, which provides dental care for children and youth with emergency dental conditions for families who would experience financial hardship if they had to pay for treatment.

For the Ontario Seniors Dental Care Program (OSDCP), RCDHU is supporting eligible clients to access dental care and providing support to seniors in helping them with their application for the OSDCP.

Student Dental Screening Clinics

Registered Dental Hygienists from RCDHU are offering community dental screening clinics this summer for students who have just completed JK/SK or Gr 2.

A screening is a visual check inside your child’s mouth. It does not replace a visit to the dentist. You will receive immediate feedback outlining the results of the screening. RCDHU staff will also be available to help you determine the next steps for your family. 

Appointments are not necessary; however, we would encourage you to book an appointment if possible. Walk-in appointments will be accepted. For more information or to book an appointment, please contact Dental Services at 613-735-8661 or dentalservices@rcdhu.com.

Dental Screening Clinic Schedule:

AreaLocationDate & Time
ARNPRIOR Arnprior Public Library 
21 Madawaska St.,  
Arnprior, ON K7S 1R6 		Thursday, July 25, 2024 
9:30 am to 2:30 pm  
KILLALOEKillaloe Community Resource Centre (CRC) 
15 Lake St.,  
Killaloe, ON K0J 2A0		Wednesday, July 31, 2024 
9:30 am to 2:30 pm  
PETAWAWAPetawawa Centennial Family Health Centre 
(Program Room)  
154 Civic Centre Rd.,  
Petawawa, ON K8H 3H5 		Thursday, August 8, 2024 
9:00 am to 3:00 pm 
RENFREWUpdate: Renfrew Public Library 
13 Railway Ave.,
Renfrew, ON K7V 3A9		Thursday, August 15, 2024 
10:00 am to 2:30 pm 

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

During the school year, our Oral Health Team visits select elementary schools in Renfrew County and District to screen students in certain grades. Our team does a visual check of the students mouth to identify, and follow-up with, students who have obvious dental needs. These screenings do not substitute a students regular visit to the dentist.

Each student screened will bring home a Dental Report Card containing the results of this visual screening, along with information for those families who may be eligible for no-cost oral health services through the Healthy Smiles Ontario program.

 

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.

 

 

Regular eye examinations by an optometrist are essential for detecting eye problems and preserving good vision health. It is important to start early, since young children do not know what normal vision is. If not identified early, some eye problems can permanently reduce a child’s vision.

The Canadian Association of Optometrists recommends the following:

  • Infants and toddlers should have their first eye examination between the ages of 6 and 9 months.
  • Preschool children should have at least one eye examination between the ages of 2 and 5 years.
  • School children aged 6 to 19 years should have an eye examination annually.
  • Adults aged 20 to 64 should have a comprehensive eye exam at least every two years.
  • Adults with diabetes should have an exam at least once a year.

A valid Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) card covers the cost of an annual eye examination for children and youth aged 0 to 19 years and older adults aged 65 years and over.

Ontario Association of Optometrists

To find an optometrist, call the Ontario Association of Optometrists at 1-800-540-3837 or for a list of doctors in your area visit The Ontario Association of Optometrists: Find A Doctor.

Assistance with Cost

Eye See Eye Learn®

The Eye See… Eye Learn® program encourages parents to book a comprehensive eye exam for their junior and senior kindergarten child with a local, participating optometrist. The cost of the exam is covered by OHIP. If a child needs glasses, they will receive a complimentary pair with an estimated value of over $300.

For a list of age eligibility requirements and participating optometrists, visit The Eye See…Eye Learn® Program.

Ontario Works and Ontario Disability Support Program

Families receiving financial assistance from Ontario Works or the Ontario Disability Support Program can contact their caseworker for information on assistance with the cost of prescription eyeglasses.

Low Income Families

Help with the cost of prescription eyeglasses may be available for low-income families. Call the Community and Social Services Department at 2-1-1 for more information.

Services for Children who are Blind or Have Low Vision

Ontario’s Blind – Low Vision Early Intervention Program is designed to give children who are born blind or with low vision the best possible start in life. Specialized family-centered services are funded by the province and are available for children from birth to Grade 1.

The program offers three types of services:

  1. Family support
  2. Intervention services
  3. Consultation services

For more information, visit Ontario’s Blind-Low Vision Early Intervention Program.

For more information call Renfrew County and District Health Unit Vision Services at 613-735-8661 or 1-800-267-1097 extension 661.

 

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

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

Additional Resources

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Routine Immunization Clinics - Pembroke

BY APPOINTMENT ONLY - Call RCDHU's Immunization Information line at 613-732-9436.

141 Lake St, Pembroke, ON K8A 5L8, Canada

April 25, 2025

8:40 AM - 3:10 PM

Tuberculosis Testing Clinic - Pembroke

BY APPOINTMENT ONLY – Call RCDHU’s Immunization Information Line at 613-732-9436 to book an appointment.

141 Lake St, Pembroke, ON K8A 5L8, Canada

April 28, 2025

9:00 AM - 3:10 PM

Renfrew Let's Grow without Immunization

BYAPPOINTMENT ONLY - Call RCDHU’s Family Health Intake 613-735-9774Renfrew Service Hub, located at 120 Plaunt Street South, Renfrew, Ontario.

120 Plaunt Street South, Renfrew, Ontario, K7V 1M5 Canada

April 29, 2025

1:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Routine Immunization Clinics - Renfrew

BY APPOINTMENT ONLY - Call RCDHU's Immunization Information line at 613-732-9436.

120 Plaunt St S, Renfrew, ON K7V 1M5, Canada

April 30, 2025

9:00 AM - 3:10 PM

Pembroke Office

141 Lake Street, Pembroke, Ontario K8A 5L8

Phone: 613-732-3629
Toll Free: 1-800-267-1097
Fax: 613-735-3067

Hours of Operation
Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Renfrew Service Hub (By Appointment Only)

120 Plaunt Street South, Renfrew, Ontario, K7V 1M5

Services offered by appointment only.

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