CHILDREN IN NEED OF TREATMENT (CINOT)
CINOT (children in need of treatment) is a financial assistance program for children of families who are unable to pay for necessary dental care and who do not have dental insurance. The program was designed and available for children in elementary school who are verified to be in urgent need of dental treatment.
How do I know if my child is eligible?
Your child is eligible if he/she:
- Is elementary school age or younger
- Is not covered by an existing dental plan (i.e. through parent’s place of employment, Ontario works or Ontario Disability Support Program).
- Has been screened by a Health Unit dental hygienist and has a visible/urgent dental condition.
- The cost of treatment would be too high for parents or guardians to pay.
If the child is deemed eligible for assistance, the parents or guardian is given a Parent Notification Form, which contains two sections.
Section A: completed by family dentist and returned to Health Unit if dental coverage present.
Section B: completed by parent/guardian if family does not have any dental insurance and, family is unable to pay for treatment and chooses to use the CINOT program.
The program covers a range of basic dental treatment including fillings, extractions, examinations, x-rays, etc., at a dentist of choice. Please note that CINOT does not cover cleanings, however some children may be offered preventive services depending on their eligibility.
Legal requirement:
If you think your child needs treatment, it is best to contact the Dental Services Team in order to arrange a screening. This can be done either at the schools, The North Bay main office, Burk’s Falls, Sturgeon Falls or Parry Sound branch offices.
The dentist cannot charge (extra bill) a family for any services covered by the plan. If the dentist wishes to provide treatment beyond that covered by the plan, the family must pay for those specific services, however, the dentist is required to inform the family of this obligation prior to beginning treatment. In order to make an informed consent the family must also be told why the treatment is necessary and other treatment options that may be available.
For more information on the CINOT program, contact the Dental Services Team at 705-474-1400 or Toll Free 1-800-563-2808.
03 Mar 2008 15:07:32 -0500
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