Dental Care - Island Health
Condition Specific Support and Public Health
Provided by Island Health
Programs and services which supports the community to improve oral health, focusing on dental prevention and young families.
This program supports the community to improve oral health, focusing on dental prevention and young families. Services include:
- Smiles First Program: One-on-one consultation for at-risk pregnant women and parents with infants, toddlers and preschoolers. Smiles First provides assessment and skill building for parents to understand factors that increase the risk of dental disease, and learn ways to reduce risk. Visual screening can identify early stages of decay, and fluoride varnish or dental referral is provided as needed. This services is available at all health units and some community locations.
- Children's Oral Health Initiative: A First Nations Health Authority program offered to some bands. COHI services are provided by a Registered Dental Hygienist (RDH) and a COHI Aide employed by the band. Services are similar to those offered through the Smiles First Program.
- Dental Screening: Part of a province-wide survey every three years with targeted schools only screened in between.
- Professional Expertise and Support: For Public Health Nurses, care providers and group facilitators of parenting programs in the community. Information is provided on basic dental health, referring clients, available resources and other community supports available.
- Screening, Education, and Referral: For children with developmental disabilities, their families and caregivers at home and school.
- Financial Assistance: To help eligible children access dental care.
Dental staff work out of a number of Public Health Units across Island Health, in First Nations Communities and with community groups. Staff visit First Nations bands, Native Friendship Centres, parenting groups, neighbourhood houses, immigrant groups and other community organizations. Community program coordinators can contact Dental staff to discuss their needs. Contact your local Public Health Unit to find the location of the nearest dental program.
Location finder: https://www.islandhealth.ca/our...
Service is available in English.
Cost: No cost
Associated Programs/Services
Also offered by Island Health:
Just the closest matches listed. Click to see more!- Public Health Unit - Saanich
- Communicable Disease Prevention and Control - Island Health
- Public Health Unit - Esquimalt
Availability
Service area: Island Health Area
Service Types Provided
Condition Specific Support
Ways to Access
- Service provided 1:1 in-person
- Service provided at multiple locations
The listing of this service in Pathways is not a recommendation or endorsement by Pathways.