The Yukon Children's Dental Program is a government-funded initiative that provides a range of dental care services to school-age children.
The Yukon Children's Dental Program is a school-based public dental health program offered by the Department of Health and Social Services that provides diagnostic, preventive and restorative dental services to Yukon children at no cost to their families. It encompasses both the Yukon's Preschool Dental Program and the School Dental Program.
Preschool appointments are offered monthly at the Yukon Children's Dental Program office. The Yukon Children's Dental Program makes regularly scheduled visits to communities outside of Whitehorse for preschool dental care.
If a student lives in Whitehorse or a rural community with a resident dentist, they can receive dental services from the Yukon Children's Dentral Program from kindergarten up to grade seven.
If the student lives in a rural community without a resident dentist, they can receive dental services from the Yukon Children's Dentral Program from kindergarten up to grade 12. This is to supplement the fact that access to care may be more difficult in these areas.
Children can receive dental care under the program if they are homeschooled. Parents of homeschooled children should contact the Yukon Children’s Dental Program directly to make an appointment.
For children to participate in the program, parents or guardians are required to complete a consent for examination form at the start of each school year. Once the form is submitted, the child is eligible to receive:
- Dental examinations
- Diagnostic X-rays (if required)
- Oral hygiene instruction
- Cleaning and scaling of teeth
- Fluoride application
- Sealants
The initial dental examination is performed by a dentist who will also complete a recall examination every two years. In the alternating years, the examination will be conducted by a dental therapist.
If a child requires a dental treatment, a treatment consent form will be sent home to inform the parent or guardian of the child’s dental needs and obtain written consent. Written consent must be given before any treatment can be performed.
These treatments include:
- Silver diamine fluoride
- Fillings (silver amalgam, white composite resins or glass ionomer)
- Stainless steel crowns (baby teeth only)
- Pulpotomies (baby teeth only)
- Extractions (if required)
The Yukon Children’s Dental Program can refer children to dentists in a private practice for preventive and restorative services which are normally provided by a dental therapist.
Only dental services identified by the dental therapist and described on the referral form will be covered by the program. The referral expires six months from the date of issue.
References
- Yukon, Children’s Dental Health Services
- Yukon, Children’s Preschool Dental Program
- Yukon, Children’s Dental Health Program Referrals
- Yukon, Department of Social Services
- Yukon, Preschool Dental Health Program
*The content provided in this article, including text, graphics, and referenced material, is intended for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional dental advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with your dentist or another qualified oral health professional for questions regarding your dental condition. Never disregard professional dental advice or delay seeking it based on information from this article. If you believe you have a dental emergency, contact your dentist, or seek immediate assistance from an oral healthcare professional.