Taking care of your teeth is important!
Regular dental care helps prevent gum disease and tooth decay in your mouth. Dental professionals (like dentists and dental hygienists) work with you to help keep your mouth healthy by cleaning your teeth, looking inside your mouth, and teaching you good habits. It's recommended to have your teeth checked and cleaned every 6 months by a dental professional.
How to get Dental Care
You can contact any dental provider to make your own appointment. Here are some programs that can help cover the costs of dental care:
Healthy Smiles Ontario (HSO) is funded by the Ontario government and provides free dental care to eligible teens and children 17 years old and under, which includes:
- Regular visits to a dental provider
- Check-ups, tooth cleaning, x-rays, fillings, and extractions
- Emergency dental care
Did you know? The Health Unit dental clinic also provides FREE dental care through Healthy Smiles Ontario! Services include cleaning, fluoride treatment, sealants, and education about keeping your mouth healthy.
Visit ontario.ca/healthysmiles and the TBDHU Healthy Smiles Ontario page for more information including how to apply.
The clinic at Confederation College provides dental hygiene services to the public and students of Confederation College for a small fee. All ages are welcome. For more information, visit the Confederation College Dental Clinic website.
If your parents or guardians have health benefits, you may also be eligible for coverage for dental care. Ask them about it!
Resources
- Dental Hygiene Canada’s Tooth Tips
- Ontario Dental Hygienists' Association: Oral Health & Overall Health Factsheet (PDF)
For Further Information
Contact the Oral Health Program at (807) 625-5900 (Thunder Bay) or toll-free 1-888-294-6630 (District).