A unique children’s dental health education program is brightening smiles across the West Moreton Health region, with more than 18,000 students benefitting from valuable tooth tips.

With a focus on early intervention and engagement, West Moreton’s long-running Keep Your Smile for Life program has delivered preventative dental information at more than 80 primary schools in Ipswich, Springfield, Boonah, Esk, Gatton, Laidley and the Lockyer Valley.

Last year, the program received a significant boost with the arrival of a custom-built education van, the first of its kind in Queensland.

Dental Health Clinical Staff visit West Moreton primary schools in the mobile clinic to teach students about food and drink choices, lunchbox tips, dental disease and the importance of looking after your teeth.

Students in Years 5 and 6 also take part in food-based experiments, while all children receive a new toothbrush and oral healthcare information to take home.

The program complements regular check-ups and dental treatment provided by mobile dental vans at schools across Queensland.

West Moreton Principal Oral Health Therapist Sandra McFarlane, who instigated the program, said it had become “so valuable for the West Moreton community”.

“We started Keep Your Smile for Life in 2015 with the aim of early intervention and improving the dental experience for primary school students, and it really has surpassed all expectations,” Ms McFarlane said.

“We thought it was really important we could provide oral hygiene information to younger students in a child-friendly environment, away from a clinical set-up, to help ease fears about the dentist.

“A key part of that has been engaging the children in fun activities to build up their confidence to sit in the dental chair.

“That includes using iPads and conducting experiments with things like sugar and soft drink to show the impact it can have on teeth.

“Last year, we were also lucky enough to replace our former van with a new, custom-built van that has allowed us to cater for more children and improve the program further.

“It is so heart-warming to know you have helped equip students, particularly those who may be from disadvantaged backgrounds, with the knowledge to care for their teeth and a fresh, new toothbrush to take home.”

Keep Your Smile for Life staff have already visited multiple schools this year, with St Mary's Primary School Ipswich next on the list from April 29 to May 3.

“We love having the opportunity to make a positive difference to the lives of young students,” Ms McFarlane said.

“Keep Your Smile for Life has certainly evolved over time and we will continue to explore different ways to engage the children and make sure our message is getting through.

“Of course, parents are always looking for tips on how to improve food choices in their children’s lunchboxes and we are only too happy to help.

“I’d like to think we have been able to deliver on our mission to improve the dental experience for kids, but our work is never over.

“We have seen more than 18,000 students from over 80 schools since 2015 and we’re looking forward to growing those numbers in the years ahead.”

 

Five tips for parents to help children keep their smile for life:

• Eat well (to keep your teeth healthy)
• Drink well (drink tap water, it is safe and protects your teeth)
• Clean well (brush your teeth in the morning and night)
• Stay well (visit the dentist or an oral health therapist once a year for a check-up and clean)
• Rinse with water or chew sugar free gum, if you cannot brush your teeth