Oral health in schools
Oral health is an essential part of a child’s overall health and well-being. Untreated dental problems can lead to pain and infection, making it harder for children to eat, speak, concentrate, and learn at school.
Free dental screenings take place at school to reduce barriers for families such as travel, cost, or time away from work.
Role of the school
Schools support children’s oral health by helping facilitate dental screening and sharing information with families. This includes:
- Help coordinating dental screening schedules, securing space, and sharing required student information.
- Supporting communication within the school to help the screening process run smoothly while minimizing classroom disruption.
- Sharing screening information with families and sending results home.
- Providing students and families with resources that support access to dental care.
Schools can encourage families to be proactive about their child’s oral health by reviewing screening information, participating in screenings, and following up on results.
Role of Peel Public Health
Peel Public Health supports children's oral health through dental screening, prevention, and supporting access to care. This includes:
- Identifying grades to be screened at each school and scheduling screening dates in collaboration with school staff.
- Developing and sharing information about dental screening for schools, staff, and families.
- Conducting safe, no-touch dental screenings by registered dental hygienists using sterilized mouth mirrors in accordance with the Ontario Ministry of Health guidelines.
- Managing student exemptions, class lists, and contact information during dental screenings.
- Notifying families when follow-up is recommended and helping children access free or low-cost dental services.
- Offering clinic appointments for children who missed school dental screening or are not in designated screening grades.