- Cavities are the single most common chronic disease in children
- Fluoride is not added to Niagara's drinking water. Learn more about fluoride.
- Safe for babies from the time they get their first tooth
- Prevents cavities in baby teeth, which can cause pain and affect eating, speaking, sleeping and learning
Children and youth dental programs
Free dental care, screenings and preventive services for children and youth 17 years of age and younger. Multiple programs are available to ensure every child in Niagara has access to quality dental care.
Free dental programs
School dental screenings
Annual screenings for elementary students across Niagara
Free annual dental screenings provided to elementary school students in Niagara by registered dental hygienists from Public Health.
What happens during a screening
- Visual assessment of your child's teeth using sterilized dental mirrors
- Parents notified by phone, mail or letter if urgent care or preventive services needed
- Screenings do not replace regular dental examinations with a dentist
Participation is optional and you can opt out if you do not want your child screened.
If your child has a dental problem (cavities, pain or infection), contact Dental Health to book an appointment. You don't have to wait for the school screening visit.
Opt-in to dental screenings at school
If your child's grade isn't scheduled but you'd like a screening, you can opt-in to a screening.
Opt-out of dental screenings at school
If your child's grade is participating but you don't want them screened, you can opt-out of screening.
Children not in school
Parents / guardians of children who are not screened at school may request free preventive services at one of our Public Health dental clinics or on our mobile dental clinic.
Fluoride varnish program
For children ages 0-5
Fluoride varnish is a protective coating painted on children's teeth that helps reduce cavities. It's quick and easy to apply and doesn't have a bad taste.
Contact Dental Health to find out where fluoride varnish is available near you. Provide dental medical history and consent for this service.
Fluoride varnish can be used on babies from the time they get their first tooth. It's commonly used worldwide in dental and medical practices and is recognized as safe and effective.
Where to get free fluoride varnish in Niagara
- Daycares
- Dental offices
- EarlyON Child and Family Centres
- Niagara Region Public Health dental clinics
- Participating primary care offices (physicians and pediatricians)
- Schools
Let your dental professional know if fluoride varnish has recently been applied. This allows the dental practice to space out your child's fluoride varnish applications to ensure maximum benefit.
For best results, fluoride varnish should be applied twice per year.
Healthy Smiles Ontario
Government-funded program for children birth to 17 years
Healthy Smiles Ontario provides free preventive, routine and emergency dental services for eligible children and youth.
Eligibility: Children and youth 17 and under who are Ontario residents and members of a household that meets income eligibility requirements. If your child is in pain, they may qualify regardless of income.
- Regular visits to a dental professional of your choice
- Check-ups and cleanings
- Sealants and fluoride treatments
- X-rays
- Fillings and extractions
- Urgent or emergency oral health issues
Children receiving benefits from Ontario Works, Temporary Care Assistance, Assistance for Children with Severe Disabilities or Ontario Disabilities Support Program are automatically registered and receive a Healthy Smiles Ontario card in the mail.
Children with dental insurance
Even if your child has coverage, they may still be eligible. Apply the same way and provide your insurance information at your dental appointment.
- Visit a ServiceOntario location
- Call ServiceOntario toll-free: 1-844-296-6306 (TTY: 1-800-387-5559)
- Call Niagara Region Public Health: 905-688-8248 ext. 7399