School Dental Screenings

We visit schools to check kids’ oral health 

School dental screenings

Each year, our dental hygienists and assistants visit elementary schools to provide free oral health screenings for students in kindergarten and Grade 2. At some schools, students in other grades may also be screened.

Why do schools have dental screenings?

Our school dental visits help:

• Identify children who may need dental care
• Offer free preventive dental treatments
• Connect families to free dental programs for children and youth aged 0–17
• Keep track of community oral health to improve programs and monitor the overall oral health of our communities

What happens at a dental screening?

Our dental team teaches students how to keep their mouths clean and healthy. After the screening, your child will receive a toothbrush, toothpaste, and floss to take home.

Here’s what else the team does:

• Follows a no‑touch technique to keep things safe
• Takes a quick look inside the mouth (usually less than a minute) using a clean, sterilized mouth mirror
• Wears proper protective equipment, like non‑latex gloves, masks, and eye protection
• Uses hand sanitizer or other proper hand‑cleaning methods before and after the screening
• Sends home a dental “report card” with notes about your child’s oral health and any concerns such as cavities or urgent dental needs
• Follows up with children who require further care and connects them with appropriate dental services

Parents will be notified in advance and may request screenings for additional children in their household.

If you do not wish your child to take part in a scheduled clinic at your school, complete the opt‑out form here or call Grand Erie Public Health at number listed below at least one week prior to your child's school screening date.

If your child is in a class that may not be screened and you wish to have your child participate in the school dental screening, please complete the opt-in form here or call Grand Erie Public Health at one of the phone numbers listed below at least one week prior to your child's school screening date.

If your child is homeschooled and you would like to access dental screening, you can schedule one at Grand Erie Public Health's clinic locations.

Questions or concerns? Please contact the Grand Erie Public Health Dental Program.

Haldimand-Norfolk: 519-900-9600 ext. 3003 or kidsteeth@geph.ca

Brantford-Brant: 519-753-4937 ext. 6450 or dental@geph.ca