Oral Health

Good oral health is important for your overall quality of life. Poor oral health can influence the way you speak, eat and socialize. As a result, these oral health problems can affect your overall well-being. 

There are many ways we can help. 

Here are the dental programs we have to offer at NEPH.

Five diverse young children lying on their stomachs in a row, resting their chins in their hands and smiling happily at the camera.

Dental screening is a quick visual check by a Registered Dental Hygienist to identify dental problems that may cause pain in children aged 17 and under.

Screenings are done annually for students in JK, SK, and Grades 2, 4, and 7.  Parents are notified if treatment or preventive care is needed. Preschool and high school students can book screenings by contacting NEPH.  If a child has dental concerns, parents will get a letter, a call and a folder.  This will explain the next steps, including follow-up by a dentist

If the cost of getting dental care prevents you from getting help, you may qualify for government-funded programs. 

For more information, call 1-877-442-1212.

A young girl holding a hand mirror and smiling at a female dentist during a dental check-up.

Available in select communities to children ages 0-4 in daycares/EarlyON centres and students in JK & SK.

Fluoride varnish is a safe and quick treatment that makes teeth stronger and helps prevent cavities.  It is especially useful in the NEPH area, where the water does not have fluoride and more children get cavities.  

This program is FREE of charge and available to preschool children and students in Junior(JK) and Senior Kindergarten(SK).  Fluoride varnish is available in select communities with the consent of a guardian. 

Preschoolers can get fluoride varnish up to three times a year at licensed childcare centres, EarlyON centres, or NEPH clinics. School children can get it twice a year.

A Registered Dental Hygienist puts the varnish on by gently brushing it onto the teeth. It sticks to the teeth and slowly lets out fluoride to protect them from tooth decay. Health Canada and the Canadian Dental Association recommend using it.

For families in communities where this program is not offered, your child may be eligible to receive fluoride varnish treatment at one of our office locations. Contact us to find out more and see how we can help.

A young boy wearing orange protective glasses having a treatment applied to his teeth with a swab by a dentist.

Preventive services are available for eligible children 17 years and under and seniors over the age of 65.

Dental clinics are offered at all NEPH office locations.

Services can include a registered dental hygienist checking, cleaning, and polishing your teeth. They can also apply fluoride and protective sealants, teach you how to care for your mouth, and clean dentures.

Contact us at 1-877-442-1212 to see if you qualify.

A portrait of a smiling young woman hugging an older senior woman, likely her mother or grandmother.A young girl and a female dentist both giving "thumbs up" signs while the girl sits in the dental chair.

Free Dental Care is available for those who meet eligibility criteria.

If the cost of getting dental care prevents you from getting help, you may qualify for government-funded programs. It is possible to qualify for more than one program. These plans can work together to maximize dental coverage. Call us to see if you qualify, or click on the links below for more information.

Healthy Smiles Ontario (HSO) – Dental services for children aged 0-17. Even if you already have dental insurance coverage, you may still qualify.

  • CORE Program
    • If you get Ontario Works (OW) or Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP), you may already be covered. Ask your worker for details.
    • You can apply if you meet income eligibility criteria.
  • Emergency Stream:
    • Have urgent dental problems and
    • Cannot afford dental care because it would cause financial hardship

Even if you already have dental coverage, you might still qualify. Call us for more information at 1-877-442-1212.

Une femme âgée souriant confortablement dans un fauteuil dentaire tandis qu'une dentiste masquée se prépare à l'examiner.

Ontario Seniors Dental Care Program (OSDCP) – Dental services for low-income seniors aged 65 years old and up.

Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) - The Government of Canada offers dental coverage to eligible Canadian residents of all ages without dental insurance whose adjusted family net income is below $90,000.

Diverse school kids looking down in a circle and smiling.