Smiles 4 Miles Awards in Wyndham

Goodstart Early Learning Centre Point Cook and The Manor Kindergarten are all smiles after being recognised for their efforts to promote healthy eating and dental care through the Smiles 4 Miles Awards, an initiative of Dental Health Services Victoria (DHSV).

Smiles 4 Miles aims to improve the oral health of children and their families in high-risk areas across Victoria.

In Wyndham, the Victorian city where both services are located, nearly 40 per cent of children aged birth – five years have at least one decayed, missing or filled tooth, a figure which rises to 70 per cent in the six to eight year old cohort. 

Children with tooth decay and poor oral health can have trouble eating, sleeping, and paying attention in early learning settings.

In Wyndham Smiles 4 Miles is implemented by IPC Health, who presented both services with their awards. 

Goodstart Early Learning Centre Point Cook Director Melissa Weerasekera said she and her staff were extremely pleased to have been recognised and thanked IPC for their help.

“IPC Health has been a huge support for us to achieve this milestone, and we aim to continue with the fantastic program,” Ms Weerasekera said.

At The Manor Kindergarten Asha Kattar described the program as ‘fantastic’ and one which has provided the service with information, dental screening, and accessibility to emergency dental care when required by children.

Learn more about Smiles 4 Miles here. To read local coverage of this story please see here.