Health Professionals Update – Vol. 19, No. 20
From:
Dr. Nicholas Brandon, MD, MA, MSc, CCFP, FRCPC
Associate Medical Officer of Health
In this issue:
- Launch of SmartParent for prenatal education – reminder.
- Children's Oral Health Program: Information and support for children and youth (0 to 17 years).
Key messages:
- Launching free text messaging prenatal and parenting program called SmartParent.
- Peel Public Health's Children's Oral Health Program supports the oral health needs of children and youth from 0 to 17 years of age through education, preventive services, and connections to publicly funded dental programs. Physicians interested in learning more about available supports are invited to complete a brief survey.
Launch of SmartParent for prenatal education – reminder
Peel Public Health has partnered with SmartParent to launch a free text messaging prenatal program for all expectant families in Peel. We are one of the first Public Health Units in Ontario to offer this innovative prenatal and parenting education program.
SmartParent was developed by researchers from the University of British Columbia in consultation with pregnant and new parents, nurses, doctors, midwives, and experts in maternal and child health. It is endorsed by the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada and the Canadian Paediatric Society). SmartParent is currently offered in Halton and the provinces of British Columbia and Nova Scotia.
How it works
- Once enrolled, participants receive up to 3 text messages per week until baby’s first birthday.
- Messages are tailored to the week of pregnancy or age of the baby.
- Helps families learn about healthy pregnancy and birth, baby’s growth and development, infant feeding, positive parenting and so much more.
This “just in time” text-based messaging program ensures that all Peel families have access to current, trustworthy, evidence-based health information and resources to guide them through their parenting journey.
Encourage your prenatal clients to text PEEL to 12323 or visit our Peel Region SmartParent page. For more information and registration instructions call 905-799-7700 to speak with a Public Health Nurse.
Children's Oral Health Program: information and support for children and youth (0 to 17 years)
Primary care providers play an important role in promoting oral health, identifying children at risk for dental disease, and connecting families to available services. The Children's Oral Health Program can provide information and resources to support oral health care access for children and youth.
Get more information
Primary care physicians who would like additional information about the Children's Oral Health Program and available supports are invited to complete a brief survey by Monday, July 27, 2026.
Contact us
The Health Professionals Update (HPU) is distributed to physician offices in Peel region via fax or email. Share this update with other health professionals in your clinic.
More information
- Review past HPUs
- Subscribe to HPU emails
- For questions about this update, email healthprofessionals@peelregion.ca