Dental Health

In addition to preventive screening and education in schools and community sites, Region of Waterloo Public Health provides dental treatment programs.


Dental Treatment Programs

We provide the following dental treatments:

Children in Need of Treatment (CINOT)

The CINOT program offers FREE dental service to children and teens, up to their 18thth birthday, who require urgent dental care and meet the eligibility criteria. It provides fillings, extractions and sedation, preventive dental care, including cleaning and fluoride, oral health support and information.

To be eligible, a child/teen must meet the following criteria:

  • Be screened by a Registered Dental Hygienist from Region of Waterloo Public Health .
  • Be identified as having an urgent dental condition.
  • Have no dental insurance and declare that the cost of treatment would create a financial hardship for the family.
  • Be an Ontario resident 17 years of age or younger.

If a child/teen is eligible, they may then make an appointment at a dental office that accepts the CINOT program.

Treatment must be completed within six months of screening.

CINOT is not an insurance plan and only covers the child/teen for one course of treatment.

In some instances, for example weekends and after business hours, children may first go to a dental office for emergency dental care without being screened by the health unit. Only an emergency exam and treatment for the relief of pain for the presenting emergency condition will be covered. The health unit must be contacted by the next working day by the dental office. Before treatment is started, the parent/guardian must inform the dental office that they are requesting assistance through the CINOT program.

For more information about this program or to arrange a screening appointment please call:

Region of Waterloo Public Health Dental Program at 519-883-2225


Basic Dental Care and Preventive Services

In addition to the above CINOT program, Public Health provides basic dental care and preventive services for children and youth in need of care, but who do not qualify for the other dental treatment programs.

Please call 519-883-2222 for more information.


Dental Treatment for People Receiving Social Assistance

This program is funded by the Ontario Ministry of Community and Social Services and the Regional Municipality of Waterloo.

Who is eligible for mandatory basic dental care?

  • Dependent children (under 18 years of age) whose parents are Ontario Works participants.
  • Dependent children (under 18 years of age) whose parent is receiving assistance under Family Benefits.
  • Ontario Disability Support Program recipients, their spouses and dependent children (under 18 years of age).
  • Any adult receiving Ontario Works or Family Benefits has emergency dental coverage only. Please speak to your case worker regarding your dental emergency. A dental card or authorization from your case worker will allow treatment to be provided by a dentist of your choice.

Healthy Smiles Ontario

Healthy Smiles Ontario is a new program for children and youth 17 and under who do not have access to any form of dental coverage. If eligible, your kids will get regular dental services at no cost to you.

Children and youth 17 and under may be eligible if:

  • They are residents of Ontario;
  • They are members of a household with an Adjusted Family Net Income of $20,000 per year or below; and
  • They do not have access to any form of dental coverage (including other government-funded programs, like Ontario Works).

Examples of required documentation for Healthy Smile Ontario Application review appointment:

Canada Child Tax Benefit
GST/HST Credit
Ontario Sales Tax Credit

To find out more about the eligibility requirements for Healthy Smiles Ontario and documents required to verify eligibility, check the Ontario Healthy Smiles website or call

Region of Waterloo Public Health at 519-883-2222, Option # 1

Waterloo Region Healthy Smiles Communique - Program Update


Dental Resource Kits

The Dental Resource Kits are available in two age-appropriate levels:

  • Kindergarten & Grade One
  • Grade Two & Grade Three

They are filled with teaching resources, educational materials, handouts and overheads.

These kits relate to the Healthy Living strand of the Ontario Curriculum, Health and Physical Education and provide lots of interesting ways to learn about oral health.

They can be ordered online through the Resource Centre or by calling 519-883-2256


Information Links

Fluoride in Drinking Water

Canadian Dental Association (CDA)

Dental Clinics

Contact(s)

Region of Waterloo Public Health
General Inquiries
99 Regina Street South, Waterloo, Ontario N2J 4V3

Phone: 519-883-2000
TTY: 519-575-4608

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Link to Region of Waterloo Public Health Home Page

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