Dental health

Person brushing their teeth

Tooth decay is increasing in KFL&A. Good oral health is important for overall well-being.  Maintain your oral health through daily care, regular check-ups, and healthy eating. 

It is never too early to start practicing healthy oral hygiene. Learn best practices for dental health at every age.
Learn more about community water fluoridation and how fluoride keeps our teeth healthy and strong.

Dental programs and clinics

Canada Dental Benefit and the new Canadian Dental Care Plan

The Canada Dental Benefit is for children under 12 years of age. It is open for applications until June 30, 2024.

The new Canadian Dental Care Plan will open in phases, starting with seniors.

For more information, including how to apply, visit canada.ca/Dental, call 1-833-537-4342 or

go to a Service Canada Centre near you.

Dental hygiene clinics

We provide dental hygiene services to children 17 years of age and under. Services are free to children whose families do not have insurance and cannot afford dental care.

Fluoride varnish program

Child receiving fluoride varnish treatment

We offer fluoride varnish to children 17 and under at our dental hygiene clinics, some schools, and in the community.

Frequently asked questions

What is fluoride varnish?

Fluoride varnish makes teeth harder, helps to prevent tooth decay and may even reverse the start of decay.
Fluoride varnish is a gel that contains fluoride. A thin layer is applied to teeth with a small brush. It is easy to apply and only takes a few minutes.

Why is fluoride varnish important?

You may not be aware that the municipal water in the KFL&A region does not contain enough fluoride to keep teeth healthy. So, it is important for your child to have fluoride varnish two times per year.

Does fluoride varnish in schools replace a visit to the dentist?

Fluoride varnish in schools does not replace regular visits to the dentist. For healthy teeth, please keep your child's regular dental appointments.
Your child may be eligible for Healthy Smiles Ontario or the Canada Dental Care Program. For more information, call KFL&A Public Health at 613-549-1232, ext. 1218.

Consent for fluoride varnish

Complete the consent form for fluoride varnish online.

School dental screening

Dental screening card and dental hygienist screening a child

The school dental screening program is offered at all elementary schools every year.

Frequently asked questions

Who will screen your child's teeth?

A registered dental hygienist and certified dental assistant from KFL&A Public Health will provide the dental screening.

Which grades are screened?

We screen all children in kindergarten and Grade 2 for dental problems that need to be seen by a dentist. Students from other grades may also be screened.

If your child’s grade is being screened, you will receive a letter from the school to let you know. That letter contains the same information provided in this section of the website. Parents can opt-out of dental screening by sending a letter to KFL&A Public Health.

What does dental screening look like?

The screening is a quick look in the mouth with a sterilized mouth mirror, using all required infection control practices.

What happens if we see a student with a dental problem?

Each student that is screened gets a card to take home that shows the results of the screening. Parents are contacted if the child has a dental problem that needs to be treated.

Why is dental screening important?

To identify dental problems that could lead to pain or infection and need to be treated by a dentist;
To help families access needed dental treatment;
To monitor dental health of children in our community and use this information to plan programs and services.

Why do we screen your child's teeth?

Dental screening is required each year in all elementary schools, under the Ontario Regulation 570, School Health Programs and Services of the Health Protection and Promotion Act.

What if you don't want your child to be screened?

If you do not want your child to be screened this school year, please tell us in writing. Include your child’s full name, date of birth, school, and grade and mail the letter to:

KFL&A Public Health, Dental Health Program
221 Portsmouth Avenue, Kingston, Ontario, K7M 1V5

Dental Treatment Assistance Fund (DTAF)

The Dental Treatment Assistance Fund (DTAF) is a charitable fund that provides financial help to adults in our region who need urgent dental treatment but cannot afford to pay for it.

Up to $400 can be offered every 12 months, when funds are available.

This charity is funded by grants from community agencies such as the United Way of KFL&A and Community Foundation for Kingston and Area, along with donations from local dental professionals, our staff, and others.

Who can apply

Adults 18 years of age or older who:

are in need of emergency dental treatment for pain, swelling, infection, trauma, or bleeding.
live in Kingston, Frontenac, or Lennox & Addington county,
have no dental coverage, including Ontario Works, Ontario Disability Support Program, or other government funded programs, and
would be in financial hardship if they had to pay for this dental treatment.

Financial hardship includes:

being unable to pay rent or mortgage this month;
being unable to pay household bills (e.g., heat, electricity, hydro, etc.) this month;
having to go to a food bank to feed your family this month.

How to apply

Call KFL&A Public Health at 613-549-1232, ext. 1218.

DTAF donations

The DTAF is a registered charitable fund. Tax receipts are issued by KFL&A Public Health. You can donate online or by cheque payable to the Dental Treatment Assistance Fund and mailed to KFL&A Public Health Dental Program, 221 Portsmouth Ave., Kingston, Ontario, K7M 1V5.

Donations go directly toward helping adults in our community who are experiencing pain. We are grateful for all donations to the DTAF. Thank you for helping us give the gift of a healthy smile.

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Healthy Smiles Ontario program

If your family needs help paying for your child’s dental care you may be eligible for free dental care through the Healthy Smiles Ontario (HSO) program.

Find out what the program offers, if your child qualifies, and learn how to apply by visiting Healthy Smiles Ontario.

Paper copies of HSO applications are available at Service Ontario locations and KFL&A Public Health, 221 Portsmouth Ave., Kingston. They can also be mailed to you. Contact our dental team at 613-549-1232, ext. 1218 to request a print copy.

If your child is in need of emergency dental care, contact our dental team at 613-549-1232, ext. 1218.

Ontario Seniors Dental Care Program

Low-income seniors may be able to get free dental care with the Ontario Seniors Dental Care Program (OSDCP).

Eligibility

You can apply for the program if you:

are 65 years of age or older
live in Ontario
do not have dental benefits
have an annual net income of:
- $25,000 or less (for singles)
- $41,500 or less (for couples)

Find out more by visiting Ontario Seniors Dental Care Program. If you would like a paper application mailed to you, call our dental team at 613-549-1232, ext. 1218.

How to book an appointment

If you qualify, you will receive your OSDCP card in the mail.
When you get your OSDCP dental card, book a dental appointment by calling the Kingston Community Health Centre (KCHC) at 613-507-6064. Please ask KCHC if you need help with transportation.

The program is only available at these locations in our region:

Kingston Community Health Centre - 263 Weller Ave., Kingston
Napanee Area Community Health Centre - 26 Dundas St. West, Napanee

There is a wait time for some services. Urgent needs will be seen as soon as possible.

Information on the dental services covered by the OSDCP is available at Ontario.ca/SeniorsDental.

If you do not have an OSDCP dental card but have an emergency dental problem, eligible seniors may be able to access limited services prior to enrolment. Contact our dental team at 613-549-1232, ext. 1218.

To find out about the status of your application form, please contact the Ontario Seniors Dental Care Program line at 1-833-207-4435, TTY: 1-800-855-0511.

How can you get help if you do not qualify for the Ontario Seniors Dental Care Program?

If you experience severe dental pain and are unable to see a dentist, go to the nearest emergency room.

Call local dental offices to see if they offer payment plans or reduced fees for those without dental insurance.
Call the KFL&A Public Health Dental Health program. They can help find local service options available at no-cost or reduced fee, and check to see if you qualify for the Dental Treatment Assistance Fund.