This program is implemented in accordance with the Oral Health Protocol (2021), referenced
in the Ontario Public Health Standards. The Board of Health is required to collect dental
indices to determine the prevalence of dental disease, prevention, and treatment needs in
children and youth. Information will be collected for surveillance purposes for grades JK, SK,
Grade 2, and Grade 7.
A dental screening is a brief, visual assessment of each child’s mouth by a registered dental
hygienist (RDH). Following the screening, each child will receive a dental report card to take
home. When a child is identified to be in urgent need of dental treatment, follow-up will be
completed by the RDH to ensure that dental treatment has been initiated. If financial
assistance is required, the parents will be offered the Healthy Smiles Ontario Program. The
Canadian Dental Care Plan is also available to help families with dental costs.