Dental Health

Healthy Smiles Ontario (HSO) is a government-funded dental program that provides preventive, routine, and emergency dental services at no cost for eligible children and youth 17 years of age and under from low-income households.

The program provides routine, preventive, and emergency and essential treatment services to eligible children and youth including

• Check-ups
• Cleaning
• Fillings (for a cavity)
• X-rays
• Scaling
• Tooth extraction
• Urgent or emergency dental care (including treatment of a child’s toothache or tooth pain)

*The program does not cover the cost of cosmetic dentistry, such as teeth whitening or braces.

The program is divided into three streams.

Healthy Smiles Ontario - PREVENTIVE SERVICES STREAM:

• Preventive services such as cleaning and polishing teeth, fluoride treatments, dental sealants, and temporary fillings, are also offered under the Healthy Smiles Ontario program to low-income families at one of our four preventive clinic locations.
• Call Grey Bruce Public Health to see if your child qualifies and make an appointment.

Healthy Smiles Ontario - CORE STREAM:

This stream provides routine dental care for children based on income.

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

• Temporary Care Assistance
• Assistance for Children with Severe Disabilities
• Ontario Works
• Ontario Disability Support

How to apply?

Visit Grey Bruce Public Health or call 519-376-9420, and press 8

Online at Healthy Smiles Ontario Healthy Smiles Ontario

Service Ontario

Healthy Smile Ontario - EMERGENCY AND ESSENTIAL SERVICES STREAM:

This stream provides emergency and essential dental coverage for children and youth 0-17 years of age who qualify. The services covered by this program may include exams, removal of teeth, fillings, and preventive services.

How to apply?

• Contact Grey Bruce Public Health 519-376-9420, Press 8 for Dental
• If your child is identified at a school screening
• Once enrolled into Healthy Smiles a wallet card will be issued.

The following changes took effect on Aug. 1, 2024:

• Service Access Duration: The HSO-EESS dental card coverage is reduced from 12 months to 6 months.
• Usage Limit: The child is allowed a maximum of three (3) enrollments into the HSO-EESS until they turn 18.

If you have some dental insurance coverage, but still cannot cover the cost of dental work, you can apply for additional coverage through the HSO program. For help with any options under the Healthy Smiles Ontario program, please call Grey Bruce Public Health’s Oral Health Team at 519-376-9420 and press 8 or visit publichealthgreybruce.on.ca.

Grey Bruce Public Health dental clinics provide services for children 0-17 years of age who are enrolled in the Healthy Smiles Ontario Program as well as seniors aged 65 and older who are enrolled in the Ontario Seniors Dental Care Program. If you are not enrolled in one of the above programs and would like more information, please call Grey Bruce Public Health at 519-376-9420 or 1-800-263-3456 and press 8 to speak with a member of the Oral Health team.

NOTE: Our dental clinics are not walk-in clinics. Please contact us to book an appointment at any of our locations:

Owen Sound

Grey Bruce Public Health 

101 17th St. E.

Markdale

South East Grey Community Health Centre

55 Victoria Ave.

Walkerton

Grey Bruce Public Health Dental Clinic

200 McNab St., Suite 202

Wiarton

Salvation Army Building

576 Edward St.

The Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) is a dental insurance program funded by the Government of Canada, that will help cover some of the cost of various oral health care services for eligible Canadian residents.

For information on the Canadian Dental Care Plan, visit Canadian Dental Care Plan - Canada.ca or call 1-833-537-4342.

The Ontario Seniors Dental Care program (OSDCP) assists low-income seniors in accessing dental care.

Coverage includes:

• Check-ups, including scaling, fluoride and polishing
• Repairing broken teeth and cavities
• X-rays
• Removing teeth or abnormal tissue (oral surgery)
• Anesthesia
• Treating infection and pain (endodontic services)
• Treating gum conditions and diseases (periodontal services)

Certain dental procedures under the OSDCP have limits based on scientific and clinical criteria. Your OSDCP provider can provide more information.

Dentures

Dental prosthetics (prosthodontic services), including dentures, will be partially covered. Please speak to your local public health unit for more information.

To qualify, you must:

• Be 65 years of age or older
• Be a resident of Ontario
• Have an annual net income of $25,000 or less for a single senior or a combined annual net income of $41,500 or less for a couple. (Line 236 from your income tax form)
• Have no other forms of dental benefits (e.g. private insurance)
• You may qualify for the CDCP and may still be eligible for the OSDCP provided you meet the eligibility criteria.

The Ministry of Health is responsible for assessing eligibility and enrolment into the OSDCP. For an application, please visit Grey Bruce Public Health (101 17th St. E., Owen Sound, Ont.), or the South East Grey Community Health Centre (55 Victoria Ave., Markdale, Ont.) Application forms are also available online at the following link: Seniors Dental

For more information about this program, please go to Seniors Dental or call Grey Bruce Public Health at 519-376-9420, and press 8.

• Once you are enrolled in the program, your coverage period is for up to one year. Your coverage will end on July 31st every year, no matter when you enroll.
• Every year, eligibility will be automatically verified for most clients to confirm enrolment for the next benefit period.
• You will be notified by mail if you are eligible to keep participating in the program, or about how to re-apply to the program, if required.

• You can only receive treatment at your local Public Health Unit Clinic.

Grey Bruce Public Health dental clinics provide services for seniors (65+) enrolled in the OSDCP. If you are not yet enrolled and would like more information, please call Grey Bruce Public Health at 519-376-9420 or 1-800-263-3456 and press 8 to speak with a member of the Oral Health team.

NOTE: Our dental clinics are not walk-in clinics. Please contact us to book an appointment at any of our locations:

Owen Sound

Grey Bruce Public Health 

101 17th St. E.

Markdale

South East Grey Community Health Centre

55 Victoria Ave.

Walkerton

Grey Bruce Public Health Dental Clinic

200 McNab St., Suite 202

Wiarton

Salvation Army Building

576 Edward St.

The Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) is a dental insurance program funded by the Government of Canada, that will help cover some of the cost of various oral health care services for eligible Canadian residents. 

For information on the Canadian Dental Care Plan, visit Canadian Dental Care Plan - Canada.ca or call 1-833-537-4342.

• A Public Health Registered Dental Hygienist will conduct a brief visual assessment of your child’s mouth, follows up-to-date infection control guidelines and appropriate personal protective equipment
• A clean mouth mirror is used
• A dental report card is sent home with every child that provides information on how their teeth look 

Members of Grey Bruce Public Health’s Oral Health team provide annual dental screenings in selected grades in all publicly funded elementary schools and private schools throughout Grey-Bruce. Dental screenings are performed in accordance with the Ontario Public Health Standards under the Health Protection and Promotion Act.

An in-school dental screening is only a visual assessment and does not replace a regular visit with a Dentist.

The program provides free dental screenings to children, including those who, for a variety of reasons, may not normally see a dental professional. Even if your child visits a dentist regularly, the screening may assist in identifying dental issues that have arisen between regular checkups.

In addition, the overall screening information collected at each school helps to focus additional public health efforts on areas where children are at greater risk of dental decay.

If your child is in one of the grades selected for an in-school screening, a letter will be sent home prior to the scheduled dental screening to notify you of the upcoming screening date. If you do not wish for your child to be screened, the letter contains instructions on how to decline the screening.

If you believe your child has an urgent dental condition, you do not have to wait for a school screening. Please contact the Oral Health team at Grey Bruce Public Health to schedule a dental screening at one of our clinics.

If your child was sent home with a Parent Notification Form (PNF), it means a Registered Dental Hygienist has found an urgent condition in your child’s mouth. The Registered Dental Hygienist is mandated to follow up with families on all urgent dental conditions and assist parents in seeking and completing the required professional dental care.

Please complete and return the PNF you have received for your child from Grey Bruce Public Health.

If you are able to pay for dental treatment:

• Fill out sections 1, 2, 3A, and your dentist needs to fill out 3B.

If you already have a Healthy Smiles Ontario card:

• Fill out sections 1, 2, 4A, and your dentist needs to fill out 4B.

If you are unable to pay and wish to use the Healthy Smiles Ontario program to cover the cost:

• Fill out sections 1, 2, 5A, 5B, 5C.

Once the forms are completed, you must return them to Grey Bruce Public Health using the self-addressed envelope provided, by fax, or in person.

If you have any questions while completing the forms, please contact Grey Bruce Public Health at 519-376-9420, and press 8 to speak to a member of the Oral Health team for assistance.

Good oral health is key to good overall health — and the best part is, you can practice this at home. Brushing and flossing are daily tasks that can help prevent tooth decay and gum disease.

BRUSHING

Brushing removes plaque that develops on your teeth every day. Use a soft toothbrush and fluoridated toothpaste. Brush for 2 minutes, 2 times a day.

FLOSSING

Flossing removes plaque and food debris between the teeth where toothbrushes cannot reach. Flossing is important for preventing cavities and gum disease.

For children under three years of age:

• An adult should brush the child’s teeth using a toothbrush moistened only with water.
• If your child is at risk of tooth decay, an adult should brush the child’s teeth using a toothbrush and tiny amount (size of a grain of rice) of fluoridated toothpaste.

For children aged 3 to 6 years:

• Use a small amount (size of a green pea) of fluoridated toothpaste.
• Ensure the child spits out the toothpaste and does not swallow it.

For people aged six years and older:

• Use a pea-sized amount of fluoridated toothpaste.
• Brush for 2 minutes, twice a day.

Frequency: Everyone should brush their teeth with fluoride toothpaste at least twice daily.

Technique: Do not rinse your mouth with water immediately after brushing, as this allows the fluoride to remain on the teeth and provide better protection.

Supervision: Adults should supervise children under the age of 6 to ensure they are using the correct amount of toothpaste and not swallowing it.

We recommend a child visit a dental professional before their first birthday.

Parents should check their baby's teeth once a month to look for signs of tooth decay.

Babies & Children:

• Start early: From birth, clean your baby’s mouth twice a day using a washcloth, finger brush, or soft baby toothbrush.
• Lift the lip monthly: Check the upper front teeth for white or brown spots. If you see any, visit a dentist right away. Grey Bruce Public Health offers free dental programs for children 17 and under. Call to see if you qualify.
• Avoid sharing germs: Don’t share utensils or lick your baby’s soother.
• No bottles in bed: Don’t let your baby fall asleep with a bottle unless it contains water. If it’s a habit, slowly dilute the bottle over 1–2 weeks until only water remains. Use comforting alternatives like rocking, stories, or toys.
• Avoid sugary drinks: No pop, fruit drinks, sports/energy drinks, or iced teas.
• Don’t sweeten soothers: Avoid dipping soothers in honey or other sweet liquids.
• Transition to a cup: Encourage cup drinking around age 1.

Caring for your child’s teeth prevents:

• Cavities
• Gum disease
• Poor nutrition
• Tooth loss
• Dental pain
• Missed time at school

Resources:

Dry mouth or medical conditions can impact the overall health of the mouth, such as increasing the risk of cavities.

To reduce the risk of cavities:

• Sip water frequently.
• Consider using sugar‑free gum or xylitol mints.
• Try saliva substitutes or moisturizing gels.
• Talk to a doctor/pharmacist about medication-induced dry mouth.
• Use high‑fluoride products (discuss with your dental professional).
• Talk to your dental professional about professional fluoride applications.
• Avoid frequent sipping of sugary drinks.
• Avoid sucking on lozenges and hard candies as this can speed up decay when saliva is low.
• Keep your teeth clean by using a soft manual or electric toothbrush. If dexterity is limited, built-up handles or electric brushes can make cleaning easier.
• Receding gums expose root surfaces, which decay more easily. Fluoride can strengthen the root surface and reduce cavities.
• Health conditions, like diabetes, arthritis, stroke, dementia, or radiation therapy, all affect oral health. Personalized routines or caregiver involvement may be needed; discuss with your dental professional.

• Keep dentures clean by brushing them daily with a non-abrasive denture cleaner and brush.
• Remove dentures and rinse your mouth after every meal.
• Remove dentures at night and place in some water.
• A dirty or ill-fitting denture can cause infections and sore spots.
• Even if no natural teeth remain, oral exams help catch infections, sore spots, oral cancers, and denture issues early. Even if you have dentures, it is still important to see a dental professional regularly.

• Wear a Mouthguard for Sports: Protect your teeth, lips, cheeks and tongue from any sports or recreational activity that might cause risk of injury to the mouth and head area.
• 3 different types of mouthguards: Custom-made, boil and bite, and ready to wear. Talk to your dental professional for more information.

Fluoride can be found in many sources, including:

• Naturally occurring in well water.
• In certain foods we eat and beverages we drink.
• In most brands of children and adult toothpastes.
• As a varnish, gel, foam, or liquid rinse that a dental professional may apply.
• As a daily or weekly rinse, a lozenge, or a daily supplement found at the drug store.
• Added to some municipal drinking water (water fluoridation).

Fluoride increases the resistance of tooth enamel to acids. Acids are formed by bacteria that are normally present in the mouth and can lead to decay. The presence of low levels of fluoride, up to 1 ppm in drinking water, can reduce cavities by as much as 40%. Fluoride helps to reduce the risk of tooth decay in three ways:

1. It makes the tooth stronger and more resistant to tooth decay.
2. It can repair tooth surfaces where early tooth decay has occurred.
3. It inhibits bacteria from producing acids that cause tooth decay.

Water fluoridation is the process whereby the natural level of fluoride in a water supply is adjusted to a level that will optimize dental benefits.

Fluoride additives meet standards for quality and purity before they are added to water at the recommended levels.

In Grey-Bruce, Owen Sound is the only municipality that adds fluoride to the water supplies, bringing it up to recommended levels.

Fluoride occurs naturally and is often found in water sources; levels vary in drinking water throughout Ontario. Naturally occurring fluoride can be found in some Grey-Bruce communities, particularly in western Bruce County.

Fluoride levels in well water can vary widely. Well owners can check their fluoride levels by having their water tested.

Talk to you dental professional to determine if the following options are appropriate for you.

• Fluoride Mouth Rinses
• Topical Fluoride/Fluoride Varnish (applied by a dental professional)
• Fluoride Supplements (Talk to a dental professional before taking any fluoride supplements)

Organizations that support water fluoridation:

A number of reviews on the effectiveness of water fluoridation have been conducted over the last 10 years. Over 90 dental and public health organizations support fluoridation, including:

• The World Health Organization
• Health Canada, Guidelines for Canadian Drinking Water Quality – Guideline Technical Document – Fluoride (2010)
• The Canadian and American Dental Associations, Position on Water Fluoridation
• The Canadian Public Health Association
• The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Community Water Fluoridation