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Schools

Dental Health

Dental health is important to overall health and well-being. Poor dental health impacts children’s healthy development and activities of daily living such as eating, speaking, learning, and sleeping Schools can promote dental health by supporting educational activities and health unit dental screening programs.

Teaching and Learning 

Curriculum Resources 

Health Unit Programs and Services 

Dental Screening Program 

A public health Registered Dental Hygienist and a Certified Dental Assistant offer FREE dental screenings in elementary schools, childcare centers, community settings and at SMDHU office locations. 

The dental screening helps to: 

  • Identify children with urgent dental  concerns and ensure they receive the necessary care
  • Increase awareness and promote dental health education
  • Provide students and families with information and support access to  government funded dental programs (for ages 0-17). 
  • Monitor the dental health needs in our communities. 

Elementary schools will be contacted   to schedule screening dates. Prior to the scheduled date, additional information will be provided about the screening process, including space and set-up requirements.  

In some circumstances, the Dental Team may request additional student demographic information to complete the screening. Board information on file may be missing or incorrect. 

We will also provide a digital information package for schools to distribute to families, including how to contact the health unit to opt-out for those that do not want their child to participate.

Dental Health Promotion and Assistance with System Navigation

The health unit’s Oral Health Program offers general information, resources, and support to elementary and secondary schools, by request. 

We are also available to help with program navigation for students and their families and support access to government funded dental programs.

Alex the Alligator – Elementary Resource Kit

Alex the Alligator is a plush alligator and resource kit developed to support dental health and healthy eating within the Ontario Health & Physical Education curriculum. The School Health Teamworks with elementary schools to engage students in leading Alex the Alligator activities with classrooms or at school events. This provides opportunities for students to develop leadership and communication skills and fosters school connectedness.

Curriculum Links

This resource supports the Healthy Living Strand of the Ontario Health and Physical Education Curriculum by addressing expectations under the topic of Human Development and Sexual Health related to dental health.  When combined with other strategies that promote student well-being, Alex the Alligator can contribute to comprehensively addressing other topics such as healthy eating, equity and inclusion, and dental health.

Bring Alex the Alligator to Your School

  • To access Alex the Alligator and to have more discussion about offering an integrated approach to supporting student well-being in your school, contact the School Health Program using the Request for Service Form.

For Students, Parents and Families

Visit our Dental Health site for more information. 

Choose from the sample newsletter inserts below to share with parents/families of elementary school students:

Dental Screening and Services for Kids Ages 0-17

Good dental health is an important part of your child’s general health. The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit’s Oral Health Community Program offers FREE dental screenings in schools, childcare centres, community settings and health unit offices for children and youth aged 0 - 17 years. Dental screening can identify and inform families that their child has a dental concern. 

The Dental Team can also help children/youth and their families access dental care through   Healthy Smiles Ontario (HSO)  or other government funded dental programs such as the Canadian Dental Care Plan. For more information regarding our services, call 705-721-7520 or toll-free 1-877-721-7520 ext. 8804 or visit SMDHU - Dental

Team Up!
Brush and floss as a team! Help your child brush and floss daily until they can do it on their own Check for missed areas and give positive feedback for a job well done . Brush their teeth  twice daily for two minutes, especially before bedtime with fluoride toothpaste. Do not forget their gums and tongue. Use an amount of toothpaste equal to the size of a grain of rice. If your child can spit, use a pea sized amount. Do not swallow or rinse with water. 

Do you have concerns about your child’s teeth? Meet our dental team! We offer FREE screenings to children and youth aged 17 years and under. Screenings can determine if your child qualifies for any government funded dental programs. For more information, or to book a dental screening appointment, call 705-721-7520 or toll-free 1-877-721-7520 ext. 8804 or visit SMDHU - Dental

Pack a Lunch that Makes Them Smile!

Helping your child pack their lunch? Send water instead of sugary drinks like fruit juices, pop and sport drinks to help prevent cavities. Choose snacks that are nutritious, low in sugar and that don’t stick to teeth. Refer to Canada’s Food Guide for healthy eating tips.
Do you have concerns about your child’s teeth? Meet our dental team! We offer FREE screenings to children and youth aged 17 years and under. Screenings can determine if your child qualifies for any government funded dental programs. For more information, or to book a dental screening appointment, call 705-721-7520 or toll-free 1-877-721-7520 ext. 8804 or visit SMDHU - Dental webpage.
Newsletter Inserts – Secondary

Choose from the sample newsletter inserts below to share with parents/families of secondary school students:

Dental Screening and Services for Ages 0-17

Good dental health is an important part of your child’s general health. The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit’s Oral Health Community Program offers FREE dental screenings in schools, childcare centers, community settings and health unit offices for children and youth aged 0 - 17 years. Dental screening can identify and inform families that their child has a dental concern.

The Dental Team can also help children/youth and their families access  dental care through the Healthy Smiles Ontario (HSO A) or other government funded dental programs such as the Canadian Dental Care Plan.  For more information regarding our services, call 705-721-7520 or toll-free 1-877-721-7520 ext. 8804 or visit SMDHU - Dental home page

Contact Us

For more information or to access services, contact your local School Health public health nurse. You can also contact the health unit at 705 721-7520 or 1-877-721-7520 or by completing our secure online Request for Service Form.

Updated September 24, 2025
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