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.
With a $40 billion cuts plan, a One Nation Liberal Coalition will leave thousands of working Victorians worse off.
They’ll cut the free services Victorians rely on like Smile Squad and make life harder and more expensive for families.
Quotes attributable to Premier Ben Carroll
“Only Labor is making it cheaper for Victorian kids and their families to access free dental care.”
“Under a One National Liberal Coalition, Smile Squad won’t exist. We cannot risk that.”
Quote attributable to Minister for Health Ingrid Stitt
“Every child deserves a healthy smile – that’s why we’ll continue to support working families with free dental care.”
Quote attributable to Minister for Education Gabrielle Williams
“Smile Squad is teaching students important dental habits for a lifetime of healthy smiles.”
