Dental Services Information for Health Professionals

Your patients may be able to receive free dental care at one of our dental clinics. To be eligible, patients must live in Toronto and cannot afford to pay for a dentist. Our services are offered to children (0-17 years), parents enrolled in selected Toronto Public Health programs, adults in receipt of Ontario Works (OW), clients enrolled in Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP), Interim Federal Health Program (IFH), Non-Insured Health Benefits Program (NIHB), and seniors (65 years and older).

To make a referral call 416-338-7600 or contact the clinic directly. Our staff speak many languages!

Dental clinics contact information and locations.

People who do not meet our eligibility criteria may be able to receive dental care for a reduced cost at another facility.

Reference Sheets for Health Professionals

Lift the Lip: Detecting Early Childhood Tooth Decay (ECTD)

Early Childhood Tooth Decay (ECTD) affects children from 0-6 years. ECTD is associated with gum disease, ear infections and loss of teeth, which can contribute to nutritional and speech problems. Decay in the baby teeth can also affect the healthy development of permanent teeth and is linked to a child’s failure to thrive.

You can help stop or prevent Early Childhood Tooth Decay in just 10 seconds with this simple paediatric dental screen.

Step 1. Lift-the-lip and check the teeth for early childhood tooth decay for all patients five years of age and younger

Photo courtesy of University of Washington School of Dentistry

white front teeth and pink gums — Healthy teeth: shiny, white enamel

Action Required: See a dentist by the child’s first birthday or within 6 months.

chalky front teeth and yellowing gums around the teeth — Tooth Decay – Reversible. Chalky white spots that will not brush off.

Action Required: See a dentist within 2 – 4 weeks.

Front teeth with indented brown and yellow near the gum line — Brown and yellow spots that will not brush off, brown or black teeth, visible holes or broken teeth.

Action Required: See a dentist immediately.

two front teeth with lateral half of each too missing and yellow-brown indented areas extending halfway down what is remaining of the teeth — Brown and yellow spots that will not brush off, brown or black teeth, visible holes or broken teeth.