- Published:
- Sunday 11 August 2019
The fleet of free dental vans being rolled out by the Andrews Labor Government is ready to hit the road and begin visiting Victorian schools.
Premier Daniel Andrews was at Box Hill North Primary School today – one of the first schools to receive a visit from the Smile Squad later this month.
Mr Andrews announced the first 22 schools to be visited this term, before it’s progressively rolled out across the state by 2022. The first schools are in Box Hill, Barwon South, Cranbourne and Wodonga.
We promised free dental for all Victorian primary and secondary school students, and that’s exactly what we’re delivering. The Victorian Budget 2019/20 includes $321.9 million for the free dental care program.
The Smile Squad vans will provide free check-ups and treatment including teeth cleaning, fluoride applications, fillings and any other non-cosmetic treatments to make sure our kids have healthy teeth.
When it comes to oral health, early prevention is the key. That’s why the program is so important – it stops emerging oral health issues in their tracks, keeping kids healthy and happy, dental bills down and avoids a trip to the hospital emergency department.
All Victorian public primary and secondary school students will receive their own free dental packs, complete with a toothbrush, and lots of education about the benefits of a healthy, bright smile.
The Labor Government’s landmark free dental care program will drive down big dental costs for families, with bills expected to be slashed by $400 each year for each child. It will also free up more than 100,000 places for adults in the public dental system each year, reducing wait times.
Once fully rolled out, the fleet of Smile Squad vans will provide check-ups and dental treatment for about 650,000 school kids every year. The full list of the first schools participating is attached.
Quote attributable to Premier Daniel Andrews
“Our students deserve bright and healthy smiles – without the high costs. Our landmark free dental program will help ensure Victorian kids have good teeth, as well as helping parents save on hefty dental bills.”
Quote attributable to Minister for Health Jenny Mikakos
“Oral health is so important for kids, but we know busy families can sometimes struggle to find the time and money to get to the dentist. We’re giving them some extra help to make their lives easier.”
Quote attributable to Minister for Education James Merlino
“Good health is the key to a great education. That’s why we’re rolling out free dental care for every Victorian public primary and secondary school.”
Quote attributable to Member for Box Hill Paul Hamer
“I’m so delighted Box Hill schools will be among the first to be visited by the Smile Squad. This will make a world of difference to local kids and their families.”
Full list of schools to be visited by the Smile Squad this term
- Alkira Secondary College
- Armstrong Creek School
- Bandiana Primary School
- Barunduda Primary School
- Bellbrae Primary School
- Box Hill North Primary School
- Ceres Primary School
- Clyde Primary School
- Cranbourne South Primary School
- Cranbourne Primary School
- Grovedale West Primary School
- Highton Primary School
- Laburnum Primary School
- Lyndhurst Secondary College
- Melrose Primary School
- Old Orchard Primary School
- Wodonga Middle Years College
- Wodonga Senior Secondary College
- Wodonga West Primary School