Hastings Prince Edward Public Health works together with local schools to encourage optimal oral health for students of all ages. This is accomplished through school screening, provision of community oral health clinics, helping families connect with Healthy Smiles Ontario, and providing support to educators.
Oral Health Services
Oral Health Screening at Elementary Schools
Oral health screening is a mandated program by the Ministry of Health. This screening consists of a quick visual assessment of students’ mouths, using a sterilized mouth mirror. Each year, the HPEPH Oral Health Team provides dental screening in local publicly-funded schools. An Oral Health Report Card is sent home with the child to inform parents of any dental concerns. Please note that this program does not replace the importance of regularly scheduled visits to a dentist.
To provide the best experience for students, Public Health staff require a dedicated space during oral health screening. For more information, please review the Required School Screening Practice Guidelines and the FAQ and Information for School Staff.
Students are screened based on the following criteria:
- JK, SK, and Grade 2 in low screening intensity schools
- JK, SK, Grade 2 and 7 in medium screening intensity schools
- JK, SK, Grade 2, 4, and 7 in high screening intensity schools
- And any other student requested by parent/guardian
Free Oral Health Clinics
Hastings Prince Edward Public Health offers free preventive dental services to eligible children 0 to 17 years of age through our Oral Health Clinics. For more information, visit our page about dental services for kids.
Healthy Smiles Ontario
The Healthy Smiles Ontario program is a dental program funded by the government of Ontario, that provides free preventive, routine, and emergency dental services for children and youth 17 years old and under from low-income households. For more information, visit our page about dental services for kids.
