The Smile Squad initiative has reached a significant milestone, providing free dental care to over 100,000 students across Victoria. This comprehensive program has proven to be a substantial relief for countless families, particularly in areas such as Brimbank, by offering essential dental services and saving both time and money.
Operated by mobile units of skilled oral health professionals in distinctive orange vans, Smile Squad delivers a range of services, including check-ups, x-rays, teeth cleaning, fluoride applications, dental sealants, fillings, and root canals, directly to school students.
Since its inception in 2019, the Smile Squad program has conducted 200,000 initial and follow-up appointments in government schools and distributed more than 600,000 dental health kits, each containing a toothbrush and toothpaste.
A recent survey of participants revealed that 36% of students did not brush their teeth twice daily, and 16% had never had a dental examination prior to Smile Squad’s visit. This data highlights a broader issue: nationwide, at least 25% of children have experienced tooth decay, with dental conditions in Victoria being the leading cause of preventable hospitalizations for children under 10.
The program’s impact extends beyond just improving dental health for Victorian students. By offering free dental care to children, Smile Squad is effectively opening up treatment slots for adults in public dental services, thereby optimizing overall healthcare resources.
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