The Health Department permits and inspects food establishments, tobacco retailers, recreational camps for children, public/semi-public pools, dumpsters, domestic animals, Title 5/septic systems, cryogenic chamber therapy establishments, and more.

The Health Department enforces various state regulations including the State Sanitary Code Minimum Standards of Fitness for Human Habitation. 

Permit Applications

Apply for a Health Department Permit Online, powered by

The OpenGov portal is mobile-responsive and can also be accessed from any desktop computer or tablet device.

Need Assistance?

If you do not have access to a computer or mobile device or if you need assistance, the Health Department Team will be happy to help you with your application.

The Public Health Nurse runs immunization programs, blood pressure clinics, school programs, and home visits as well as sharps recycling. Dedham residents can drop off sharps at the Health Department during normal Town Hall operating hours. Sharps must be disposed in an FDA approved biohazard/sharps container. 

 Annual flu vaccination clinics are held in the Fall. 

The Health Department organizes an annual Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day every Fall. The next Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day will be held on October 4, 2025.

The Health Department works with the Board of Health, three resident volunteers who are elected to three-year terms. The Board oversees and authorizes the Health Department to act in the best interest of the public health: to prevent, promote, and protect the health and safety of the community.

The Department also works with the Dedham Organization for Substance Awareness (DOSA), which works to educate and involve the community in preventing and addressing substance abuse.