Published April 12 2024
It was zoo-rific to join more than 150 kids yesterday as they got free dental check-ups from our friendly Smile Squad team and enjoyed interactive oral health themed activities with Dental Health Services Victoria at Melbourne Zoo.
For one day only this school holidays kids had the unique opportunity to learn more about the importance of good oral health while enjoying the wonders of the Zoo.
Merri Health is delivering free dental care to primary and secondary school kids in Merri-bek as part of Smile Squad, a Victorian Government program led by Dental Health Services Victoria and the Department of Health.
Over 2,900 children from across 17 different schools in Merri-bek and beyond have received dental checks ups and treatment from Merri Health’s Smile Squad since the program launched in July 2022.
During COVID-19, many children and families were unable to access dental appointments, resulting in children now presenting with more dental issues.
Smile Squad is helping to address this gap, taking dental care direct to schools. It’s a fantastic partnership between Dental Health Services Victoria and community health that benefits communities and schools across the state.
All government primary and secondary schools in Merri-bek have access to Smile Squad – all they have to do is sign up.