The Carroll Labor Government is saving working families money with free dental care for kids.
Premier Carroll today visited Alphington Primary School to see Labor’s Smile Squad in action.
In Victoria, tooth decay is one of the most prevalent diseases, with almost 43 per cent of 5-10-year-olds affected.
It is also one of the highest single causes of preventable hospitalisations in kids aged 5-9 years old.
Regular dental checkups can cost parents up to $400 a year per child – putting pressure on household budgets.
It is why Labor created Smile Squad – to make sure Victorian kids have the healthiest smiles for free.
Delivered by dedicated mobile teams of oral care clinicians, students receive free check-ups and follow-up care.
It includes X-rays, teeth cleaning, fluoride treatments, dental sealants, fillings and root canals.
The at-school care also means busy families don’t need miss work or school for a dental appointment.
Since 2019, Smile Squad has:
- Treated more than 175,000 public school students
- Visited more than 1,000 public schools
- Handed out more than one million oral health packs
- Opened three regional specialist hubs in Bendigo, Geelong and Latrobe.
Students at Victoria’s public schools and 54 eligible low-fee non-government schools can access the free service.
Only Labor will deliver free dental for working families – making access to care easier, cheaper and fairer.