Maintaining good oral health is important for overall well-being and can be reached through daily care, regular check-ups, and healthy eating.
It is never too early to start practicing healthy oral hygiene. Learn best practices for dental health at every age.
Dental programs and clinics
Canada Dental Benefit |
|
The Canada Dental Benefit program is designed to help families with dental costs. It provides payments of up to $650 per eligible child per year. How to apply:
Find out if you are eligible visit Canada.ca/Dental. |
Dental screening and fluoride varnish program |
|
This program is open to children 17 years of age and under, offering dental screening and fluoride varnish in schools and other child care settings.
Dental screening in schoolsOur dental staff visit elementary schools each year to provide dental screening. We screen all children in kindergarten and Grade 2 for dental problems that need to be seen by a dentist. Students from other grades may also be screened. If your child’s grade is being screened, you will receive a letter from the school to let you know. Parents can opt-out of dental screening by sending a letter to KFL&A Public Health. The information that we collect helps us monitor the dental health of children in our community. Dental screening is required each year in all elementary schools, under the Ontario Regulation 570, School Health Programs and Services of the Health Protection and Promotion Act. Dental screening for babies to preschool age in the communityWe offer dental screening and fluoride varnish at some licensed childcare centres and early years programs. Parents can choose if they would like their child to be screened.Dental screening in our hygiene clinicsWe provide dental screening and fluoride varnish at our dental hygiene clinics for children 17 years of age and under, who have not been screened in school or in the community. |
Dental Treatment Assistance Fund (DTAF) |
|
The Dental Treatment Assistance Fund (DTAF) is a charitable fund that provides financial help to adults in our region who need emergency dental treatment but cannot afford to pay for it. This charity is funded by grants from community agencies such as the United Way of KFL&A and Community Foundation for Kingston and Area, along with donations from local dental professionals, our staff, and others. Who can applyAdults 18 years of age or older who:
Financial hardship includes:
How to applyCall KFL&A Public Health at 613-549-1232, ext. 1218. DTAF donationsThe DTAF is a registered charitable fund. Tax receipts are issued by KFL&A Public Health. You can donate online or by cheque payable to the Dental Treatment Assistance Fund and mailed to KFL&A Public Health Dental Program, 221 Portsmouth Ave., Kingston, Ontario, K7M 1V5. Donations go directly toward helping adults in our community who are experiencing pain. We are grateful for all donations to the DTAF. Thank you for helping us give the gift of a healthy smile. |
Healthy Smiles Ontario program |
|
If your family needs help paying for your child’s dental care you may be eligible for free dental care through the Healthy Smiles Ontario (HSO) program. Find out what the program offers, if your child qualifies, and learn how to apply by visiting Healthy Smiles Ontario. Paper copies of HSO applications are available at Service Ontario locations and KFL&A Public Health, 221 Portsmouth Ave., Kingston. They can also be mailed to you. Contact our dental team at 613-549-1232, ext. 1218 to request a print copy. If your child is in need of emergency dental care, contact our dental team at 613-549-1232, ext. 1218. |
Ontario Seniors Dental Care Program |
|
Find out how low-income seniors who are 65 years of age or older can get free dental care with the Ontario Seniors Dental Care Program (OSDCP). This program can help seniors get regular dental checkups and care without having to pay for it. Find out what the program offers, if you qualify, and learn how to apply by visiting Ontario Seniors Dental Care Program. If you would like a paper application mailed to you, call our dental team at 613-549-1232, ext. 1218.
How to book an appointment
The program is only available at these locations in our region:
There is a wait time for some services. Urgent needs will be seen as soon as possible. Information on the dental services covered by the OSDCP is available at Ontario.ca/SeniorsDental. If you do not have an OSDCP dental card but have an emergency dental problem, eligible seniors may be able to access limited services prior to enrolment. Contact our dental team at 613-549-1232, ext. 1218. To find out about the status of your application form, please contact the Ontario Seniors Dental Care Program line at 1-833-207-4435, TTY: 1-800-855-0511. How can you get help if you do not qualify for the Ontario Seniors Dental Care Program?If you experience severe dental pain and are unable to see a dentist, go to the nearest emergency room.
|
