Canadian Dental Care Plan - all ages
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Eligible Canadians of all ages can now apply for the Canadian Dental Care Plan.
Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) members must renew their applications to the CDCP every year to avoid a gap in coverage.
For more information, including how to apply, visit the Canadian Dental Care Plan, call 1-833-537-4342 or
go to a Service Canada Centre near you.
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Dental hygiene clinics - 17 years of age and younger
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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.
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Fluoride varnish program - 17 years of age and younger
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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?
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- 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.
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Why is fluoride varnish important?
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- 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.
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Does fluoride varnish in schools replace a visit to the dentist?
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- 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.
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Consent for fluoride varnish
Complete the consent form for fluoride varnish online.
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Healthy Smiles Ontario program - 17 years of age and younger
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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.
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School dental screening - Up to Grade 8
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Dental screening is provided each year in all elementary schools under Ontario Regulation 570, School Health Programs and Services, Health Protection and Promotion Act .
Frequently asked questions
Who will screen your child's teeth?
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| A registered dental hygienist and certified dental assistant from KFL&A Public Health will provide the dental screening. |
Which grades are screened?
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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.
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What does dental screening look like?
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| 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?
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| 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?
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- 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.
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Why do we screen your child's teeth?
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| 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?
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To decline school dental screening:
- Send a letter, including child's full name, date of birth, school and grade to:
- KFL&A Public Health, Dental Health Program, 221 Portsmouth Avenue, Kingston, Ontario, K7M 1V5
- Call 1-800-276-7875 or 613-549-1232, ext. 1218 or
- Complete the Request to decline school dental screening form
If you want to decline school dental screening for more than one student, you will need to contact us about each student (call or complete online form).
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Dental Treatment Assistance Fund (DTAF) - 18 years of age and older
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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.
DONATE NOW
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Ontario Seniors Dental Care Program - 65 years of age and older
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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, call to book a dental appointment. Ask if you need help with transportation.
The program is available at these locations in our region:
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.
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New! Mobile dental clinic - 65 years of age and older
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We have launched a new dental vehicle to increase access to dental care.
The vehicle is a fully equipped dental clinic, complete with x-ray equipment.
Eligibility
- The mobile dental clinic will provide dental treatment for seniors who quality for the Ontario Seniors Dental Care Program. We are planning to expand use for other dental programs in the future.
Rural locations
- In 2025, clinics will be offered in Flinton, Arden and other rural locations.
- For more information and to book an appointment: Call 613-549-1232, ext. 1218.
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