CINOT
Children in Need of Treatment
The Porcupine Health Unit offers a dental program for children whose teeth are in need of emergency or essential care. The program is jointly funded by the province and local municipalities and managed by public health units.
Who can use the program?
- All children age 17 and under.
- With an emergency or essential dental condition.
- With NO dental insurance or any other form of coverage and for whom the cost of the necessary care would constitute a financial hardship for the parents or guardians.
How do children access the CINOT program?
All children must be screened by a public health unit hygienist before they can be admitted to the program. The majority of children are identified through the health unit’s targeted school dental screening, referral and follow-up activities. Teachers and parents may also request that a health unit screen a child if they believe the child would qualify for CINOT.
Is all dental care covered?
NO. CINOT covers a basic level of treatment services only (e.g., examinations, x-rays, most fillings and extractions). All dentists receive a copy of the services covered by CINOT. Some more complex services require prior authorization from the health unit before they can be done. Preventive services are usually provided through the health unit free of charge.
When a dentist accepts a CINOT covered patient, he/she is not permitted to bill the parent/guardian for covered services. However, if the parent/guardian consents to additional services not covered by the CINOT Program, the dentist will bill the parent/guardian directly.
For more information, contact:
Porcupine Health Unit,
Dental Services
273 Third Ave, Suite 102
Timmins, Ontario P4N 1E2
Telephone: 705-267-1181 or 1-800-461-1818 (toll-free)
last reviewed: January 17, 2011