The Oral Health Education Program is available free of cost to patients/clients of all ages without private dental insurance. This program will give patients the maximum benefit through education in 8 modules, available preventative treatments, and free oral health provisions (e.g., toothbrush, toothpaste, etc.). This program is multi-faceted providing outreach support to vulnerable populations in the Windsor area in collaboration with Windsor Regional Hospital and other local health organizations.

A registered Dental Hygienist will provide you with:

• An oral cancer screening, starting with risk assessment and health history, and teach you how to do at home oral cancer checks.
• A visual exam of your teeth and gums to identify any possible concerns.
• A cavity risk assessment to determine if you are at risk for cavities and provide you with strategies to decrease your risk level.
• Patient specific oral health education modules that could include: Dry Mouth Management, Cavity & Decay Process, Periodontal (Gum) Disease, Oral Cancer, Smoking/Vaping & Oral Health, and Prenatal & Infant Oral Health.
• An oral health plan is created that includes individualized oral hygiene instruction and provides strategies to improve your oral health.
• Community referrals are provided for individuals to access dental services.

Preventative treatments are available on an as needed basis, this includes:

Fluoride Varnish Applications: Aid in the prevention of cavities and treatment of hypersensitive teeth.

Silver Diamine Fluoride Application: Can arrest the progression of an already formed cavity in primary or permanent teeth. Can also help decrease dental sensitivity.

As a rostered patient of the Windsor Family Health Team, a referral is needed from a Windsor Family Health Team physician or nurse practitioner to join the Oral Health Education Program.

The Oral Health Education Program is funded by the Windsor Essex Community Foundation and Green Shield Canada.