Good oral health is important to overall health. The Health Unit`s Dental Services are for children and youth from birth to age 17.

Dental Screening

In Elementary Schools

During the school year, our Oral Health Team visits all 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.

Canada Dental Benefit

In Canada, a third of people do not have dental insurance and, as a result, many go without necessary dental care because it costs too much. The Government of Canada’s new interim Canada Dental Benefit is available for eligible families who:

• have children under 12
• have an adjusted net income of less than $90,000
• do not have access to private dental insurance
• have, or will have, out of pocket dental care expenses

The benefit allows families to receive up-front, direct payments up to $650 per year, per child, for two years (totalling up to $1300) for dental care services. The Canada Revenue Agency will be processing the applications and payments for the benefit, and applications will be accepted as of December 1, 2022.

Visit the following link for more information and online application: Canada Dental Benefit 

Healthy Smiles Ontario Dental Treatment Program

Healthy Smiles Ontario is a free dental program for children and youth age 17 and under living in families with incomes below a set amount. Healthy Smiles Ontario covers regular check-ups, preventive care, and treatment by licensed dental providers.

Who is automatically enrolled

Children and youth are automatically enrolled in Healthy Smiles Ontario when they or their family receive:

• Ontario Works
• Temporary Care Assistance
• Ontario Disability Support Program
• Assistance for Children with Severe Disabilities

Details and dental cards are automatically mailed to clients when they receive these programs.

Note: Your children are not automatically enrolled in Healthy Smiles Ontario if you receive Ontario Works and live in a First Nations community. Please apply by mail to enrol your children.

Who is eligible to apply

You can apply for your children if they:

• are 17 years of age and under
• live in Ontario
• come from a household with an income equal to or less than the levels in the table below

Income Eligibility Requirements (as of July 1, 2023)

Number of Dependent Children in Your Household   Family Net Income

1 Child                                                                              $26,551 or lower

2 Children                                                                         $28,560 or lower

3 Children                                                                         $30,568 or lower

4 Children                                                                         $32,577 or lower

5 Children                                                                         $34,568 or lower

6 Children                                                                         $36,595 or lower

7 Children                                                                         $38,603 or lower

8 Children                                                                         $40,612 or lower

9 Children                                                                         $42,621 or lower

10 or more Children                                                          $44,630 or lower.

Add $2,009 for each additional dependent child to determine the income level at which your family would qualify for Healthy Smiles Ontario.

Children and youth with other dental insurance coverage are no longer excluded from Healthy Smiles Ontario coverage.

Healthy Smiles Ontario is also for children and youth who need emergency dental care.  Applicants must be assessed for an emergency or essential dental need and must also show financial hardship. Contact Dental Services for more information.

There are three different ways you can apply to Healthy Smiles Ontario:

• apply online or
• fill in, print and mail an application form or
• pick up an application form at the Renfrew County and District Health Unit or a Service Ontario office

For more information call Renfrew County and District Dental Services at 613-735-8661 or 1-800-267-1097 extension 661 OR the Service Ontario INFOline at 1-844-296-6306.

The Ontario Seniors Dental Care Program will provide free, routine dental services for low-income seniors who are 65 years of age or older.

About the Program

Coverage includes

• Check-ups, including scaling, fluoride and polishing
• Repairing broken teeth and cavities
• X-rays
• Anesthesia
• Removing teeth or abnormal tissue (oral surgery)
• Treating infection and pain (endodontic services)
• Treating gum conditions and diseases (periodontal services)

Dentures

Dental prosthetics (prosthodontic services), including dentures, will be partially covered. Please contact Renfrew County and District Health Unit at 613-735-8661 for more information.

Coverage Period

Once you are enrolled in the program, your coverage lasts for up to one year. All coverage will end on July 31st each year, no matter when you first enroll. For more information about this, visit Ontario’s Senior Dental Care Program Website.

Eligibility

You can apply if:

• You are 65 years of age or older
• An Ontario resident
• Starting August 01, 2021– Meet the income requirements:  Annual net income of $22,200 or less for a single senior, or combined annual net income of $37,100 or less for a couple. Apply starting July 01, 2023 to be assessed under the new income thresholds. 
• Have no other form of dental benefits, including private insurance or dental coverage under another government program like Ontario Works, Ontario Disability Support Program or Non-Insured Health Benefits.

Income verification will occur through using your Social Insurance Number (SIN), that you must provide when you apply for the program. Visit Ontario’s Senior Dental Care Program Website for more information if you don’t have a SIN or did not file last years tax return.

How to Apply

You can apply ONLINE or by mail.

If you and your spouse or common-law partner are applying to the program, you must submit two separate applications.

Before you begin applying, you need:

• Your date of birth
• A valid Ontario address
• Your Social Insurance Number (SIN) or Temporary Taxation Number (TTN)
• To have filed your taxes last year.

If you do not have a SIN or did not file taxes in the previous year, please complete the Ontario Seniors Dental Care Program Application Through Guarantor Form.

Applying Online

1. Complete the online application
2. Print and fill out the consent form
3. Mail the completed consent form within 30 days to:

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

Applying by Mail

1. Download and print the application form or get one in person from Renfrew County and District Health Unit.
2. Fill out and complete the application form.
3. Mail the completed form to:

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

More information can be found on the Ontario Seniors Dental Care Program website.

Note: If you are unable to open the Ontario Seniors Dental Care Program Application Through Guarantor or the Ontario Seniors Dental Care Program Application, forms are available at RCDHU or by mail.

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.

Vision Screening

In Elementary Schools

During the school year, health unit staff visit children in senior kindergarten to complete vision screenings. These tests are used to identify potential issues that need further assessment by an optometrist and a referral will be sent home to parents recommending a comprehensive eye examination.

Vision screenings are non-invasive and are presented as three interactive activities:

1. Autorefractor: a digital photo to check the structure of the eye (not required for children already wearing eyeglasses).
2. Randot: a search for three dimensional shapes to assess depth perception.
3. HOTV: a letter matching game to measure clarity of vision from a distance.

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-centred 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

• 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