Resource Center
Welcome to our Resource Center where various resources to assist parents, children, and healthcare providers in the field of oral health, have been gathered. You will find tools for dental care at home as well as tips for preparing for dental clinic appointments.
** Please note that these resources are suggestions and do not constitute an exhaustive list. There are other resources available. Although we have reviewed the resources below, we cannot officially endorse or guarantee the validity of the content or the associated web links.
Books, Videos, Games, Toys, and Web Resources
Electric Toothbrushes
Specialized Dental Resources in Quebec
Getting Help in Quebec. Who should I contact?
Government Programs and Financial Help
books
You will find examples of books that can help children better understand the importance of dental care at home and what the experience of a visit to the dentist can be like.
Dora chez le dentiste
Weiner, E., Ricci, C., & Roper, R. (2006). Dora chez le dentiste. Paris: Albin Michel
Cajoline chez les dentiste
Daxhelet, F. (2021). Cajoline Chez le dentiste. Boomerang Jeunesse.
Peppa Pig : La visite chez le Dentiste
Collectif (2020). La visite chez le Dentiste. Scholastic Canada
Dentine visite la clinique dentaire.
Leblanc, F. & Francoeur, S. (2022). Dentine visite la clinique dentaire. Les éditions Dentine et Mathias inc
T'choupi chez le dentiste
Thierry Courtin (2016). T'choupi chez le dentiste. Nathan.
Fafounet visite chez le dentiste
D’aoust, L. (2012). Fafounet visite chez le dentiste. Les Malins
Ma première visite chez le dentiste.
Marleau, CE. (2011). Ma première visite chez le dentiste. Editions Scholastic.
Chez le dentiste
Civardi, A., Bates, M., & Cartwright, S. (2009). Chez le dentiste. Londres: Usborne.
Pourquoi …Faut-il prendre soin de ses dents?
Avril, N. (2007). Pourquoi … Faut-il prendre soin de mes dents? Italie : Larus
Personal hygiene? What’s that got to do with me?
Crissey, P. (2005). Personal hygiene? What’s that got to do with me? Philadelphia: Jessica Kingsley Publishers.
Taking Care of Myself
Wrobel, M. (2003). Taking Care of Myself. Texas: Future horizons.
Do I Have to Go to the Dentist?: A First Look at Healthy Teeth
Thomas, P. (2008). Do I Have to Go to the Dentist?: A First Look at Healthy Teeth. New York: Barron’s
Videos
Video showcasing the personalized desensitization approach offered by Sourires Solidaires.
Video showing a 3-year-old girl's first dental appointment
Video showing a Dino’s (stuffed animal) first dental appointment.
Video montrant la première visite de Caillou chez le dentiste.
Brosses-toi les dents avec Sam le Chat
Sam le chat montrant les bons gestes en musique pour se brosser les dents.
Ressources et astuces pour aider au brossage de dents chez les autistes.
games and toys
Discover examples of interactive games and toys designed to help children familiarize themselves with dental care at home and prepare them for their visit to the dentist in a fun way.
** The links below are provided for reference only and to facilitate research. We encourage you to search for toys and games from your preferred retailers.
At-Home Dental Care Kit
A small at-home kit can be assembled for the child, including a toothbrush, toothpaste, a small mirror, dental floss, etc.
Play-Doh Dr. Drill 'N Fill
Available online and in-store at several retailers. For example:
Dentist Kit
Available online and in-store at several retailers. For example.
Application: Pokemon Smile
Via Google Play or App Store
Weighted Blankets
* It is important to follow the recommendations of an occupational therapist to ensure that the weight of the selected blanket is appropriate for your child's weight.
Interesting Web Resources
Here are some interesting web resources to help children better grasp dental care at home and prepare them for their visit to the dentist.
Mon enfant va chez le dentiste
SPARADRAP est une association pour aider les enfants à avoir moins peur et moins mal lors des soins et à l'hôpital
Brochure destinée aux enfants visant à préparer leur première visite chez le dentiste.
Jeunes en santé = Sourires HD!
Brochure aidant la population, particulièrement les jeunes à avoir des dents saines et un sourire
Oral Hygiene Tips for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Santé orale, handicap, dépendance et vulnérabilité
La première visite de votre enfant chez le dentiste
Guide produit par l’organisation Hygiène Dentaire Canada
Bandes-dessinées pour comprendre la santé avec des images et des mots simples
Les soins dentaires chez les personnes autistes - Comprendre l’autisme
Comment améliorer les soins dentaires chez les personnes autistes
electric toothbrushes
Here are some examples of electric toothbrushes suitable for children. They have all been designed to minimize noise and vibration, and the size of the head has been modified, so children use them more willingly. An occupational therapist can help guide you in choosing the right toothbrush that meets all your child's specific needs.
*URLs of the toothbrush manufacturers have been provided. Please note they are also available online and in-store from other retailers.
Specialized Dental Resources in Quebec
Hospitals Offering Pediatric Dental Services
Pediatric Dental Clinics
A search for a 'Pediatric Dental Clinic' can be done through the ‘Ordre des dentistes du Québec' website, by indicating 'pediatric dentistry' in the search field.
Pediatric Dental Clinics Offering a Personalized Support and Desensitization Program
Getting Help in Quebec
When you encounter specific challenges with dental care at home or at the dental clinic, it is important to seek help. Two options available to you:
Option 1 :
The first option is to contact the first-line access point (GAP) of your regional CISSS by dialing 8-1-1. After describing your child’s difficulties, you will be directed to a psychosocial support worker from the Agir-Tôt program. They will assess your child’s needs and determine which program(s), or professional(s), to refer them to for assistance (e.g., speech therapist, occupational therapist, psychoeducator, social worker, psychologist, etc.). Needless to say, waiting time is to be expected before receiving support. Waiting time will vary from one region to the other, and from one professional service to the other, depending on demand and available resources.
Option 2 :
You may also consider going with the private sector. In this case, visiting the website of the Ordre of the resource needed and/or conducting a web search by entering the title of the desired professional (e.g., ‘occupational therapist’) and the region where you wish to consult (e.g., Laval or Montreal), will help you find a professional in your area that will assist you. It is important to ensure that the professional is comfortable working with young clients. As you may already know, professionals issue receipts. Depending on your medical insurance coverage you may be eligible for reimbursements, grants, allowances, or tax credits.
Nothing prevents you from choosing a hybrid approach and seeking some services within the Health Network and others in the private sector. Stay informed.
who should i contact if…
* The professions recommended below are for guidance only. They are only provided to help parents start their research the right direction. It is understood that the expertise of these professionals may vary (e.g., specialty, experience with pediatric patients or those with special needs, scope of practice, etc.). Do your research and take the time to enquire.
challenges
recommended professionals
My child is sensitive to noise, and/or the texture of food, refuses to be touched with fingers and/or a toothbrush, or has difficulty eating (limited foods/inflexible).
My child has an overwhelming fear (phobia) of dentists.
My child has difficulty communicating (speaking and/or understanding).
My child has a developmental delay (e.g., autonomy, sleep, etc.) or has difficulty cooperating with the daily routine at home or in other environments (e.g., frequent tantrums, significant oppositional behaviors, regularly exhibits anxiety behaviors impacting socialization or cooperation).
My child only eats certain types of food (despite my many efforts to introduce new ones into his meals) and I want to ensure he meets his nutritional needs.
I need to plan my child’s first visit to the dentist and given his particular situation (cognitive disability, phobia, etc.), I fear it will be difficult.
My child holds his cheek, has trouble sleeping or is woken up by mouth pain, complains of pain when eating, or I just want to ensure my child's dental health is adequate.
governement Programs and financial help
Following the evaluation of your child, the professional will be able to determine if the impact of their difficulties on daily functioning is significant enough to make them eligible for certain government programs and financial help.
Allowance for Integration into Childcare
Via the Government of Quebec
Additional funding granted to a subsidized educational childcare service (SGEE) to accommodate a child with special needs that results in a significant and persistent impairment and who is likely to encounter obstacles in their integration process.
Disability tax credit
Via the Gouvernement of Canada
The Disability Tax Credit (DTC) is a non-refundable tax credit that helps people with disabilities, and their caregivers, reduce the income tax they may have to pay.
Supplement for Handicapped Children
Via Retraite Québec
Financial assistance aimed at helping families cover the care, support, and education of a child whose disability or mental function disorder significantly limits their ability to perform daily activities and is expected to last for at least one year.
Supplement for Handicapped Children Requiring Exceptional Care
Via Retraite Quebec
Financial assistance aimed at helping families cover the care and support of a child who:
Has severe and multiple disabilities that prevent them from performing daily activities (expected duration of disabilities: at least one year).
Requires complex medical care at home.
Financial Assistance for Disabled Child - Childcare Setting
Via Retraite Quebec
Financial Assistance Offered to Childcare Settings (Subsidized or School-Based)
Family Support Program
This program includes various measures in the form of direct allowances, particularly for the purchase of respite services, babysitting, day camp accompaniment, emergency support, and assistance with daily tasks to support parental roles. The support is provided to families and caregivers who live with and care for one or more individuals with physical or intellectual disabilities, or autism spectrum disorder (ASD), on a daily basis.