A Dental Note Came Home From School
A school screening flags concerns for follow-up. Learn what the notice means, what to ask and how to find care if your family needs help.
Read the requested follow-up
Toronto Public Health provides school dental screenings in the city's four public school boards. A screening looks for possible concerns and does not replace a full examination in a dental office. Parents receive advance notice and can opt out.[1]
If a note comes home, check the concern, recommended timing and contact instructions. Keep it for the dental appointment. If you do not understand the wording, contact the program rather than assuming the school has already arranged treatment.
Connect the note to care
Tell your dentist what the screening identified and whether your child has pain, trouble eating or other symptoms. Ask for triage if the notice indicates an urgent need. New swelling or significant pain should not wait for a routine appointment.
If you do not have a dentist or cannot afford care, use the Toronto Public Health contact information on the notice to ask about eligibility and access. A referral or screening result is useful information, but you still need to confirm where care will happen and what your family must do next.