Dental Health in Schools

HKPR District Health Unit Dental Hygienists and Dental Assistants visit elementary schools every year to provide free oral health screenings to students in kindergarten and grade two. At some schools, we may also screen students in other grades.   

School Screenings Help to:

• Identify children with urgent oral health needs or other oral health issues.
• Provide essential preventive oral health services. 
• Link eligible students with free oral health programs for Children and Youth 0-17 .
• Monitor the oral health needs in our communities. 

What Happens at a School Screening? 

The Dental Hygienist provides basic education about keeping the mouth clean and healthy. Our team will provide toothbrush, paste and floss to students after their screening and the following:

• Take a quick look in the mouth (usually under a minute) with a sterilized mouth mirror.
• Wear appropriate PPE (personal protective equipment) such as non-latex gloves, masks, eye protection. 
• Uses appropriate hand hygiene (alcohol-based hand rub).  
• Issue a dental "report card" to each student.
• Follow-up on children who need urgent dental care.

It is best if all eligible children are screened. However, parents/guardians can decline their child’s participation by handing in a written note to the teacher/principal before the screening date.