Nova Scotia Health, Public Health, works collaboratively with partners across school, community, government, and healthcare to improve oral health outcomes for children. As a component of this work, Public Health is pleased to announce its school-based topical fluoride delivery program has resumed in the 2023-24 school year, having been paused for three years due to COVID-19.

A school-based fluoride delivery program has been part of Public Health’s work in Nova Scotia since 1998. The benefits of school-based programs are greatest for children that face multiple risk conditions for dental decay and poor oral health outcomes. You may remember that Public Health’s fluoride mouthrinse program was offered in certain elementary schools and involved a weekly mouthrinse provided by volunteers. Based on an extensive program review, Public Health has modernized its approach and has switched to a fluoride varnish program delivered directly by Public Health Dental Hygienists.

Public Health’s Fluoride Varnish Program is a targeted program, focused on schools in communities that will benefit most from additional opportunities to receive fluoride. Children in pre-primary to grade 6 in schools that are within these higher-risk communities will be offered up to two applications of fluoride varnish per school year. Having a variety of ways to access the preventative benefits of fluoride is an important strategy for improving population health. Public Health’s Fluoride Varnish Program complements other oral health programs and ways that children currently access and receive fluoride.

Public Health is very clear in its communication with parents/guardians that this program does not replace regular check-ups or fluoride treatments by a dentist, dental hygienist, or other community oral health care programs and does not provide a complete oral health exam. Parents may receive a note recommending they follow up with their dental provider for an assessment. If urgent issues are observed (defined as pain, abscess, or swelling), parents/guardians will receive a follow-up phone call and/or letter from the dental hygienists to seek immediate care. At that time, the dental hygienists help navigate families to the appropriate service.

Public Health anticipates that dentists across the province may receive questions regarding the program, and we encourage you to reach out to the dental hygienists from your local Public Health Office (nshealth.ca/public-health).

Public Health is pleased to be a key partner in supporting good oral health for children in Nova Scotia and invites you to join in promoting and supporting this important program that reaches children who may not otherwise receive the benefits of fluoride.