Children already on the program are assessed at school to see whether they requalify for the CINOT (Children in Need of Treatment) program. The children are screened on a yearly basis, in the elementary school system. This is our way of updating our records on the status and oral condition of the CINOT children. It also allows us to ensure work has been completed and for early detection of any new problems which may arise between dental visits

Junior and Senior Kindergarten classes are screened in every elementary school. The result of this screening determines which grades will be screened in the rest of the school. There is the possibility that all children may be involved in the dental screening. In addition, for the 2007/2008 school year, students in grades 3 and 4 will be automatically be screened.

To provide for early detection of dental problems that can arise between check-ups with your dentist, that when left untreated, could lead to a more serious dental problem. Most dental plans today allow for a check-up only once every 9 months. Your child may be the one benefiting from this early detection.

Statistics that are gathered during the dental screening are compiled to determine the overall dental health, as well as the needs of your community's children and is a benefit to all children of that community. Both existing and future programs, as well as funding for those programs is determined by the data collected. For example, dental education in the schools that is a benefit to all children.

All elementary schools in Ontario receive dental screening annually. Statistical data is collected and forwarded to the Ministry of Health Promotion. The Health Unit uses the information to assess the dental needs of the community and provide additional services as required.

Although some families may have dental insurance, problems may arise between recall visits, such as a filled tooth may abscess or a permanent molar may erupt with defective enamel and therefore require immediate attention.

For families with no dental insurance the Ministry of Health Promotion offers a financial assistance program call CINOT (Children in Need of Treatment). For more information contact the Health Unit @ (519)258-2146 ex 1103.

The dental screening provided at school is not a thorough exam such as that done at the dental office. A visual inspection is completed of the teeth and surrounding tissues. The dental hygienist findings are not a diagnosis but an assessment and require further follow up by your dentist. Some defects identified may not be immediately addressed and your dentist may choose to monitor the situation. Dental hygiene is a Regulated Health Profession just like nursing.

This Parent Notification Form (PNF) was issued because our dental staff found that your child has a dental problem which needs treatment by a dentist. Either Section A or Section B must be signed.

Section A: If you have dental insurance or Ontario Works (OW) coverage you can pay for the treatment yourself, please make an appointment with your child's dentist and take this form (PNF) to the dental appointment. The dentist will complete and forward the form to the Health Unit. Once the Health Unit has received the PNF from your dentist, your child's file will be closed.

Section B: If you do not have dental insurance and the cost of the dental care would create a financial hardship for you, please read the declaration and fully complete section B. By signing this section you are requesting dental coverage under the CINOT (Children In Need of Treatment) program. You may either mail the form to the Health Unit or bring it to the Health Unit in person. If you choose to bring in the PNF to the Windsor, Leamington or (Essex - Monday & Tuesday), dental department, the PNF will be processed while you wait and you will be given a dental claim form for your child. You must then make an appointment with your child's dentist and bring the claim form to this appointment. Once you have mailed the PNF to the Health Unit, it is your responsibility to ensure that the dental office has received the claim form prior to the initiation of treatment.

Due to the ever-increasing number of persons with known latex allergies, as well as those unaware, all materials brought into the school for the dental screening are latex-free and this includes the examination gloves used by the Dental Hygienist.

The screening involves a visual viewing only with the use of a dental mouth mirror. Care is always taken when examining a child with orthodontic appliances as it is with children with no orthodontic appliances. If the appliance is easily removed by the child on a daily basis, and he/she is able to remove it, they may do so for the brief screening.

When a dental hygienist screens a child at school or in a clinic, universal precautions are always followed.

In the school setting, the table is cleaned and draped. The dental hygienist uses non-latex or vinyl gloves and protective eyewear to screen and a mask (if needed). The sterilized instruments are placed on tray. A new sterile instrument is used to screen each child.

The dental hygienist uses a "no touch" method to screen the child with a mirror. The "no touch" method means only the end of the mirror is placed into the mouth and the dental hygienist holds the handle of the instrument outside the mouth.