Public Health resumes dental screenings with partner organizations during Oral Health Month

Waterloo Region – Region of Waterloo Public Health is observing Oral Health Month in Canada this April with a return of offsite dental screenings that prioritize barrier-free access to care.

The Region’s dental team is currently working with local school boards to resume in-school dental screening programs at elementary schools starting April 25, 2022, and continuing into the 2022-23 school year. These routine screenings have been on hold since March 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The program team helps connect eligible children to Healthy Smiles Ontario, which provides access to free dental care.

Screenings help families identify urgent oral health issues and provide early intervention to avoid long-term problems. “Teeth are essential for speech, chewing, and can play a big role in a person’s self-esteem,” says Kirsten Barber, Public Health’s dental manager. “Oral health issues can increase risk of chronic illnesses, tooth pain can affect a person’s ability to sleep or concentrate, and poor oral health can significantly impact a person’s overall quality of life.”

This April, Public Health is also collaborating with Reception House to provide screenings, oral health information and support to new refugee families in the Region. “Many of the people we serve arrive in our community in need of dental care,” says Reception House Case Manager Craig Baila. “We've found the staff at Public Health to be dedicated and flexible when helping newcomers access critical programs like Healthy Smiles, and other much needed services.”

Screenings are performed following current infection prevention and control guidelines, as outlined by the College of Dental Hygienists of Ontario and Public Health Ontario.

Public Health operates two dental clinics in Cambridge (150 Main Street) and Waterloo (99 Regina Street South). These clinics help to reduce barriers to oral health care. The clinics provide dental services to children and to some adults who meet financial eligibility requirements. The clinics also help residents navigate and determine eligibility for provincially funded programs such as the Ontario Seniors Dental Care Program and Healthy Smiles Ontario.

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