Watch this space for updates on the oral health priority stream within the Grampians Region Population Health Plan 2023 - 2029.
Healthy Smiles lead to Bright Beginnings for Kindergarteners in the Wimmera Southern Mallee
Kindergartens across the Wimmera Southern Mallee are learning how to care for their teeth thanks to their educators. The Smiles 4 Miles program has this year been expanded across West Wimmera, Yarriambiack, Hindmarsh and Horsham local government areas.
The program helps kids learn how to look after their teeth from a young age, with a focus on the following simple messages - “Drink Well”, “Clean Well” and “Eat Well”. Kindergarten educators are the key to success in the program, running activities in class to ensure that little ones are developing healthy habits early on.
520 children across 14 kindergartens in the Wimmera Southern Mallee are now partaking in the program, which encourages conversations not only in the classroom but also at the dinner table. Some of the activities that kindergartens have delivered include children learning how to brush with the help of a stuffed animal friend, or creating a shopping list to learn which foods are ‘sometimes foods’ that can negatively impact teeth.
Smiles 4 Miles is an initiative of Dental Health Services Victoria which recognises early childhood services for implementing healthy eating and oral health policies, engaging with families about the importance of oral health, and educating children through learning experiences. 38 educators from the Wimmera Southern Mallee are taking part in the two-year program with support from the Grampians Public Health Unit.
To learn more about Smiles 4 Miles or Oral Health initiatives taking place across the Wimmera Southern Mallee, contact the Grampians Public Health Unit at phu@gh.org.au
Image: From Left to Right: Rupanyup and Minyip Kindergarten Educators Christiana, Anne and Sherri are ready to take part in Smiles 4 Miles with the help of Krista Fischer from the Grampians Public Health Unit.
Henley on the Lake 2024
On Saturday, February 10th, 2024, the Grampians Public Health Unit and the Grampians Health Dental Team participated in Edenhope's annual festival, Henley on Lake Wallace.
During the event, the Dental Team engaged with the Edenhope community, offering information about their eligibility for public dental services and the free school dental program 'Smile Squad'. Additionally, the team facilitated the establishment of a waiting list for patients in need of dental care through these services.
Children in the community had the opportunity to enjoy various activities, including colouring, dressing up as dentists, and even conducting teeth checks for their parents.
The gift bags provided by the Grampians Health Dental Team, filled with essential dental items such as toothbrushes, toothpaste, floss, dental mirrors, and informative materials, were highly sought after by attendees.
Overall, the day was a tremendous success, and we thank West Wimmera Shire Council and the Grampians Regional Health Service Partnership for their ongoing support in our ‘Strengthening Oral Health’ project stream work.
Image: Little ones embrace their inner dentists at Henley on Lake Wallace, enjoying a dental check-up activity with their parents.
Image: Jacqui and Jo from Grampians Health Dental handed out free dental packs.
Dental Health Services Victoria
Public Dental Care in Victoria - Eligibility
Access to Victoria’s public dental care services | health.vic.gov.au
Smile Squad Program
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