Why are dental screenings done in the schools?

The information collected at each school helps to focus additional public health efforts in areas where children are at greater risk of dental decay. It provides the opportunity to offer a dental screening at no cost for children who normally would not be able to be seen by a dental professional for a variety of reasons. Even if your child visits a dentist regularly, the screening can be helpful to identify dental concerns that may have arisen between regular dental examinations. At the screening, information will be provided to eligible children and families regarding financial assistance through the Healthy Smiles Ontario Program.

School screenings are mandated in accordance with the Ontario Public Health Standards under the Health Protection and Promotion Act (1990) and infection control best practices are followed.

What happens at a school dental screening?

The dental screening is completed by a Public Health Registered Dental Hygienist and a Certified Dental Assistant. The dental hygienist uses a sterile, single use, disposable dental mirror for each individual. The mirror is used to move the cheek or tongue aside to see all tooth surfaces. Each screening takes approximately one minute or less.

Dental Report Cards are sent home with children who are screened to provide parents with information regarding their child’s oral health. If the dental hygienist finds an urgent dental condition in your child’s mouth, you will also receive a Parent Notification Form (PNF). Please respond to the PNF you receive regarding your child’s dental concern. The Health Unit is mandated to follow up on all urgent dental conditions and can assist parents in seeking professional dental care.

Click here to view example on how to fill out the Parent Notification Form.
French version here.

Does my child have to participate?

Participation in the dental screening program is optional. Each year families with children in elementary schools will receive a letter indicating which grades will participate in the screening for that year. Non-participation requests are only applicable to the current school. If your child changes schools and you are notified regarding a dental screening at the new school, you must make another request for non-participation. Requests must be received at least 2 business days before the screening begins. There is a chance your child may be screened if we do not receive your request by the deadline indicated.

If you do not want your child to have a FREE dental screening, please fill out the School Dental Screening Non-Participation Form or call the health unit’s Dental Screening Program at 705-721-7520 or toll free 1-877-721-7520, extension 8342, Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Please do not contact the school to make your request.

Dental screenings at SMDHU office locations

Screening Clinics provide dental screening to children/teens who:

• Were not screened in their elementary school.
• Are not yet in elementary school (i.e., preschoolers).
• Missed their elementary school dental screening.
•  Are in high school or out of school and under 18 years of age.
• Are home taught.

If your child/teen has an urgent dental concern, please do not wait for their school screening. We can help you find out if they are eligible for free dental care through Healthy Smiles Ontario (HSO). 

Book an appointment at one of the following clinic locations:

• Barrie - 80 Bradford Street
• Collingwood
• Cookstown
• Gravenhurst
• Midland
• Orillia

For more information about dental screening or to make an appointment at a location listed above, please call 705-721-7520 (or toll-free 1-877-721-7520) extension 8804.

Dental screenings in child care centers

Based on the needs identified through our local data, the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit is offering free dental screenings for all preschool children enrolled in childcare. Participation in this program is voluntary. Parents/guardians are required to sign up their child if they would like them screened.

If you want your child to have a FREE dental screening, please fill out the Child Care Screening Participation Form or call the health unit's Dental Screening Program at 705-721-7520 or toll free 1-877-721-7520, extension 8342, Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Please do not contact the child care centre to make your request.