Free dental care for teens a big hit with parents

North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit
News Release

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The Children in Need of Treatment (CINOT) program expanded on January 1, 2009 to include urgent dental service for teens from 14 to 18. Though it has only been a few months since the Government of Ontario announced the expansion, the dental staff at the Health Unit have fielded many inquiries from parents and teens relieved to have access to this urgent-care dental service.

In 2008, the dental program at the North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit screened 6,731 elementary school children. Of these children, 1,690 had visible decay and 829 children who needed urgent dental care qualified for CINOT. This number will increase as parents become more aware of the service expansion to include youth up to the age of 18 years.

“The CINOT expansion to include teens can be a life-altering service when a family has no other means of paying for urgent dental care. For example, one youth our staff have been working with is only 15 years old with teeth decayed to such an extent that without urgent help now, this teenager may not have any teeth left by the age of 20. Tooth decay and pain in the mouth affect how a person speaks, eats, and socializes.” says Dr. Peter Wiebe, Public Health Dental Consultant “With April being Oral Health Month, it’s important to recognize the impact of oral health on your overall well being!”

Throughout the year, Dental staff from the Health Unit screen children at elementary schools or Health Unit clinics and collect data on the dental health of children in our district. If a child has a visible, urgent dental condition and the family is unable to pay for treatment, they may be eligible for CINOT. Families choose their own dentist and complete the proper forms. Previously, the program was only available to children up to Grade 8 identified with urgent dental needs.

Since April is Oral Health Month, the Health Unit’s Dental Program staff remind everyone to:
1. See your dentist regularly
2. Brush and floss your teeth regularly
3. Eat a well-balanced diet
4. Check your mouth regularly for signs of gum disease and oral cancer
5. Avoid all tobacco products

For more information, visit the Health Unit’s website at www.healthunit.biz or call (705) 474-1400 or 1-800-563-3808.

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