Seymour Health is all smiles after successfully assuming responsibility for the coordination of the Smiles 4 Miles program from Lower Hume Primary Care Partnership (LHPCP), effective 1st January 2022. Smiles 4 Miles is an initiative of Dental Health Services Victoria (DHSV), which works in partnership with organisations to improve the oral health of children, their families and increase knowledge of early childhood staff and the wider community.
The Smiles 4 Miles program promotes 3 key messages of drink well, eat well and clean well, which can be used to help services create healthier environments and healthy behaviours. The importance of regular dental visits is also a focus.
The Program is provided in Mitchell, Murrindindi and lower Strathbogie Shires and will target Early Learning Centres. Children screened at Kindergartens can access child oral health services on site at Seymour Health, ensuring the best possible start to caring for their teeth and gums. Seymour Health Oral Health Therapist, Kate Harcourt will co-ordinate the program. As a qualified clinician who has completed studies in dental hygiene and dental therapy, Kate also has specialised training to provide child friendly treatment. Her training in dealing with fearful patients also enables her to provide effective treatment for individuals with special needs. “I am really excited to work with other orgainsations to improve the oral health outcomes of children and their families in high risk areas across our catchment,” Kate said.
The Smiles 4 Miles program will be further supported by the Seymour Health Oral Services team who regularly conduct visits to local Early Learning Centres.
If you would like further information or to make an appointment, please contact Dental Services Phone 5793 6126.