Dental Screening for Children
Dental screening is available to all children in Niagara from birth up to 17 years of age. It is done according to Ontario Public Health Standards.
Our community dental health programs are designed to support and encourage your efforts to provide the best dental health for your children.
In-school screenings
Dental screenings are provided annually to elementary school students in Niagara.
- Screenings are done by registered dental hygienists from Public Health
- Sterilized dental mirrors are used for each student
- You will be notified by telephone, mail or a letter sent home should your child need urgent dental care or preventive dental service
Dental screenings are visual assessments. Screenings do not replace your child's regular dental examination with a dentist.
Video: Dental Screenings in School
Participation is optional
Every year, parents / guardians with children in elementary schools receive a letter / email indicating if their child's grade is scheduled to participate this year.
- Opt-out: If your child's grade is participating, but you don't want your child to take part, contact our dental program at 905-688-8248 or 1-888-505-6074 ext. 7962 or fill out the School Dental Screening Opt-Out Form. You must let us know every year.
- Opt-in: If your child's grade is not participating, but you'd like your child to take part, contact our dental program at 905-688-8248 or 1-888-505-6074 ext. 7962 or fill out the School Dental Screening Opt-In Form
If your child has a dental problem (cavities, pain or infection), contact the Dental Program to make an appointment or book a dental appointment online. You do not have to wait for the school screening visit.
Request an oral health presentation
Our dental team can offer educational support, guidance and encouragement to help your students with forming healthy oral hygiene routines.
Our presentations will teach oral health, as it links oral health education and resources to learning blocks and strands found in the Ontario Curriculum, grades 1-8.
Book an oral health presentation
Dental health clinics in your neighbourhood
Parents / guardians of children who are not screened at school may request a dental screening at one of our dental health clinics or on our mobile dental clinic.
Dental financial assistance is available through the Healthy Smiles Ontario program.
© Niagara Region - 1815 Sir Isaac Brock Way, Thorold, ON, L2V 4T7 - Phone: 905-980-6000, Toll-free: 1-800-263-7215
