Our Dental Hygienists and Dental Assistants visit elementary schools every year to provide free oral health screenings to students in kindergarten and grade two. At some schools, we may also screen students in other grades.
The school screenings help us to:
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Identify children with urgent oral health needs or other oral health issues
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Provide essential preventive oral health services
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Link eligible students with free oral health programs for children and youth ages 0-17
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Monitor the oral health needs in our communities
What happens at the screening?
The Dental Hygienist provides basic education about keeping your mouth clean and healthy. Our team will also provide toothbrush, paste and floss to students after their screening. They also:
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Use a no-touch technique
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Take a quick look in the mouth (usually under a minute) with a sterilized mouth mirror
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Wear appropriate PPE (personal protective equipment) such as: non-latex gloves, masks, eye protection
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Uses appropriate hand hygiene (alcohol based hand rub)
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Issue a dental "report card" to each student
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Follow-up on children who need urgent dental care
It is best if all eligible children are screened. However, parents can decline their child’s participation by handing in a written note to the teacher/principal before the screening date.