School students will receive free dental care after the state government rolls out the Smile Squad, which was announced at Point Lonsdale Primary School this week.
Member for Bellarine Alison Marchant announced that all Victorian government primary, secondary and specialist schools have been invited to participate in the program.
Smile Squad gives students in government schools free check-ups and treatment – including teeth cleaning, fluoride application, fissure sealants, fillings and root canals.
Smile Squad has already provided care to more than 82,000 students and handed out more than 350,000 oral health packs.
“It’s great to see Smile Squad visiting students across the Bellarine – ensuring local kids get the dental care they need,” Ms Marchant said.
“Smile Squad gives our kids healthy smiles and saves parents time and money.”
The state government is also recruiting more dental assistants through the Dental Assisting Traineeship Program by supporting recruits with training, mentoring and supervision to
undertake the Certificate III Dental Assisting traineeship. As part of the program recruits earn and learn for 12 months before being offered opportunities for ongoing career progression.
The state government said dental conditions are the highest single cause of preventable hospitalisations for children under 10 in Victoria.
Smile Squad encourages all Victorian children and their families to keep looking after their oral health by eating well, drinking tap water, and brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.
To learn more and apply, visit jobs.vic.gov.au
