Dental Public Health Children's Program

The Dental Public Health Program works to help prevent early childhood tooth decay. Oral health is important to a child’s sense of well-being, appearance, and overall health. An early start to good oral health is important for a lifetime of health as oral health diseases can lead to serious conditions, including:

• heart disease,
• diabetes,
• respiratory diseases, and
• premature and low birth weight babies.

What is tooth decay?

Tooth decay is the most common chronic childhood disease and can be linked to serious health problems and can be painful. The discomfort of untreated tooth decay can affect children’s growth and learning. Tooth decay can be prevented with daily mouth care, using fluoride toothpaste, good nutrition, and regular dental visits.

During a Dental Public Health clinic appointment at a community health centre the dental hygienist will meet with you and your child to:

• check their risk for tooth decay,
• do a dental screening,
• apply fluoride to their teeth,
• refer to other dental health programs (if needed) and
• give oral health information, such as tips on how to brush your child's teeth.

Although kindergarten dental screenings may occur annually in the VCH region, a province-wide kindergarten dental screening program from the Ministry of Health occurs every three years. You can see a copy of the latest provincial report online.

During a kindergarten dental screening, the Dental Public Health team looks at each child’s teeth to find and help children with dental problems, which can affect their learning. These quick checks do not replace regular check-ups by a dentist.

After the screening, your child’s dental check information will be recorded in their health record. The information collected supports client referral and follow-up. The data helps to evaluate the VCH dental program at a local and provincial level. Information from these screenings stays private. We collect, use and share this information only as the law allows – the BC Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.

If parents or guardians do not want their children screened, they will be given the option to choose not to participate. Full details and dates will be sent to parents and caregivers before the screening date.

Learn more about dental health with dental health resources, including information on

• how to brush your child’s teeth,
• how to prevent cavities,
• how to access a dental office, and
• how to access funding resources.

Dental health resources