Loddon Mallee encouraging healthier smiles for Aboriginal children

Aboriginal children in the Loddon Mallee region of Victoria will be supported to have strong and healthy teeth thanks to a new initiative. 

The $360,000 Loddon Mallee Fluoride Varnish program will help protect 600 Aboriginal children in schools, Aboriginal-specific early years services and Aboriginal child care organisations at heightened risk of tooth decay. 

Applications of fluoride varnish reduce tooth decay in young children by 37 per cent by adding an additional protective coating. The varnish also prevents an existing decay from growing. 

Under the preventive oral health program twice-yearly fluoride varnish applications, oral health promotion and free tooth packs will be provided to Aboriginal children across the Loddon Mallee region via the Bendigo and District Aboriginal Co-operative in partnership with community dental agencies and other local Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations. 

The program is a supplement to the $321 million School Dental Program – Smile Squad – that provides free annual dental care for all children at government primary and secondary schools across Victoria. 

“Good dental health is the foundation for good overall health throughout life – that’s why we are taking action to prevent tooth decay and keep smiles bright and healthy in the Loddon Mallee,” Member for Bendigo Jacinta Allan said. 

For further information about the program, please see here.