Corangamite services recognised for improving oral health

The Shire of Corangamite, in South West Victoria, has ‘smiles for miles’ after 21 early childhood services and family day care educators have received a Smiles 4 Miles award recognising their work to improve the oral health of its youngest community members.

Smiles 4 Miles is an oral health promotion program for kindergarten-aged children, developed by Dental Health Services Victoria which has been implemented throughout Corangamite in partnership with Council.

In order to be recognised services must implement healthy eating and oral health policies, and engage with families about the importance of oral health.

Based on three core messages – drink well, eat well and clean well – the program guides children through learning experiences that aim to be educational and fun. 

Smiles 4 Miles Co-ordinator Eliza Ogden said the program was a great way to help children have healthy teeth and gums for life, and to form good dental habits from a young age. 

“By promoting good oral health behaviours early in life, we can decrease the likelihood of poor oral health later in life,” she said. 

All Council services are now awarded with the program and have received advanced standing with the Achievement Program, Ms Ogden said. 

More information about Smiles 4 Miles can be found here.