Dental Health

Dentists and Dental Hygienists recommend children to be seen by a dental professional by their first birthday, or six months after the first tooth erupts. 

Why should you visit a dentist by your baby's first birthday?

• Tooth decay is the most common childhood disease; at the visit you will learn about simple prevention
• Learn the importance of oral health and start a positive relationship with a dental professional
• Get help to spot problems at early stages when treatment is simple and inexpensive

What can you expect from the first visit?

• A visual check of your baby's mouth while they lay in your arms
• A conversation on how to reduce the risk of decay for your baby
• A simple fluoride varnish application if needed
• A toothbrush, sticker and other supplies
• A quick and easy visit in a friendly environment

We offer free first visits with a registered dental hygienist. Call 519-575-4400 ext. 5010 to book a first year visit at one of our sites listed below.

Healthy Smiles Ontario (HSO) is a free program for eligible children and youth, 17 years or younger, from low-income families. HSO provides preventive, routine and emergency dental services.

Children are automatically enrolled in HSO the program when they or their family receive:

• Temporary care assistance
• Assistance for children with severe disabilities
• Ontario Works
• Ontario Disability Support

To enroll your child in Healthy Smiles Ontario

• Apply online at Healthy Smiles Ontario
• Call Service Ontario INFOline toll-free at 1-844-296-6306 (TTY 1-800-387-5559)
• Call Public Health 519-575-4400 (TTY 519-575-4608)

Public Health has two dental clinics, one in Cambridge and one in Waterloo. Both clinics are staffed by dentists, dental hygienists, and dental assistants.

The clinics care for eligible children and adults. Services are for Waterloo Region residents only.

Children

Children, 17 years or younger, receive free basic services, including checkups, preventive services (such as scaling, fluoride and sealants) and fillings. To be eligible your child must:

• Live in Waterloo Region
• Meet the financial eligibility requirements

Parents of children, 17 years or younger must complete the Dental Clinic assessment form to determine eligibility.

Adults

Adults, age 18 and older, receive limited services such as extractions or fillings to eliminate pain. To be eligible you must:

• Live in Waterloo Region
• Meet the financial eligibility requirements

Adults, age 18 and older, can call the public health clinic to determine their eligibility.

• Cambridge - 519-575-4400 ext. 3088
• Waterloo - 519-575-4400 ext. 3086 

Adults and their dependant children, 18 years and older, can receive emergency care. As an Ontario Works client, you will receive a dental card with your statement each month. If you have a specific dental problem you can go to a dental care provider and have it checked. You can have an exam, limited number of x-rays and up to three teeth filled or up to four teeth removed.

Dentures

• You may also be eligible to receive denture care, including new dentures, repairs, relines and adjustments. These services require preapproval.
• As an Ontario Works client you should not have to pay any cost to the care provider for covered services.

Public Health registered dental hygienists and dental assistants provide dental screening in elementary schools in Waterloo Region. If the dental hygienist identifies that a child has a dental problem, parents will receive information about how to access dental care.

Parents do not have to wait for the school dental screening. If your child has a toothache, infection or large cavity, call 519-575-4400 to arrange a screening at a Public Health dental clinic or community health centre. 

If you received a notice that a free dental screening is coming to your child’s school, you can choose to OPT OUT of the dental screening; or if your child is not in one of the listed grades to be screened, you can choose to OPT IN for the dental screening.

Please fill out the Dental Screening Options Form for either option.

• Early Childhood Tooth Decay
• Dental Care for Your Baby and Toddler - Video
• Preventing Early Childhood Caries - Video