Dental Screening and Fluoride Varnish Program
KFL&A Public Health Dental Program provides dental screening and fluoride varnish in elementary schools and community settings for children and youth ages 0 to 17.
A dental screening, done by a Registered Dental Hygienist, is a quick look into the mouth using a sterilized mouth mirror for each child, to identify obvious dental concerns.
A dental screening results card is sent home indicating any findings and recommendations to see a dentist.
Fluoride varnish helps to prevent cavities by strengthening the outer layer of teeth and may be recommended for your child.
Community programs (infant to preschool age)
To promote the importance of baby teeth, good oral hygiene, and help reduce tooth decay, a dental screening and fluoride varnish program has been introduced to some licensed childcare centres and other provincially funded child programs (OEYCs, School Readiness).
Parental/guardian consent is required, and parents can choose for their child to participate in the dental screening and fluoride varnish, or dental screening only.
Elementary schools
Each year, dental staff visit each elementary school for two reasons:
- to screen children in selected grades to identify dental problems that need to be seen by a dentist and to screen a few children who had dental concerns last year, and
- to help us to monitor the oral health of children in this region. The information is used to plan programs and services that best meet the needs of children in our communities. Even if your child sees a dentist regularly, it is important that they have their teeth screened so that they are included in our monitoring of dental disease.
Ontario Regulation 570, School Health Services & Programs under the Health Protection and Promotion Act, requires dental screening each year in all elementary schools. If your child’s grade is being screened, you will receive an Important Screening Message letter from the school. Parents can opt-out by providing a written letter. If you do not want your child to be screened this school year, please tell us in writing. This letter must be include your child’s full name, school, and grade. Mail the letter to KFL&A Public Health, Dental Health Program, 221 Portsmouth Avenue, Kingston, Ontario, K7M 1V5.
If your child’s grade is being screened, you will receive an Important Screening Message letter from the school. Parents can opt-out by providing a written letter.
Community dental hygiene clinics
Dental screening and fluoride varnish application is also available at our community dental hygiene clinics for everyone age 0 to 17 years old.
If you have questions about the dental screening and fluoride varnish program, please contact the Dental Team.