Bringing dental care directly to Island students
As a dental hygienist, Chantal Cahill still gets excited when she talks about her job.
For 20 years, she has worked in elementary and junior high schools across Prince Edward Island as part of the School Oral Health Preventative Program (SOHPP), seeing the difference it makes for children and families.
Run by Health PEI, the SOHPP provides free preventive dental services to all Island children under 18 with a PEI health card. PEI offers one of Canada's most comprehensive school-based dental programs, reaching about 8,500 students through school visits that provide screenings, oral health education, and preventive care.
"A big reason I love my job so much is because I get to know the children, families, and communities I serve," says Cahill. "That helps me understand what each child needs and provide care in a way that helps them feel comfortable and supported."
The program is designed to support, not replace, private dental clinics. By focusing on prevention and early intervention, it helps reduce the need for more extensive dental treatment later on.
According to Cahill, many people do not realize how important a school-based dental program can be. While financial barriers are often the biggest challenge, fear, transportation challenges, language barriers, and special learning needs can also make it harder for children to access care.
"Being in the schools is so helpful," says Cahill. "Whether a child is nervous, faces a language barrier, or needs extra support, we can work with teachers, staff, and families to help them feel comfortable and get the care they need."
The program begins with a quick, non-invasive screening. Based on the results, a treatment plan is sent home for parents to review and approve. Every child is offered oral health education and fluoride treatment, while services such as scaling, polishing, and dental sealants are provided based on individual needs.
Randy Reardon, principal of Englewood School, is a strong advocate for the program and the role it plays in supporting student health.
"It's important to have this program come to our school," says Reardon. "If we didn't offer it, I'm afraid there would be a lot of students who would not otherwise receive this care. For some children, it's their only opportunity to learn about oral health and the importance of taking care of themselves."
School dental teams are often the first to identify oral health concerns and connect families with the Provincial Dental Care Program, which may help cover dental treatment costs for eligible children and adults.
One conversation continues to stay with Cahill. After assessing a child who needed more extensive treatment than what is offered through the school program, she called the child's father to discuss his child's dental needs and was able to share some unexpected news: support was available not just for his child, but for him and his entire family as well.
"When I told a father that both his child and his family could qualify for dental coverage, he was almost in tears," says Cahill. "It gives me goosebumps just to think about it."
After 20 years with the program, Cahill is grateful to see its impact reach far beyond oral health, helping children access care, supporting families, and removing barriers that might otherwise stand in the way.
Islanders looking to learn more can visit School Oral Health Preventative Program and Provincial Dental Care Program for more information.