Children in Geelong to access dental care closer to home

GEELONG children will be able to access dental care closer to home thanks to the Andrews Labor Government’s continued investment in specialised dental hubs and satellite clinics.

New hubs in Geelong and regional areas such as Bendigo and the Latrobe Valley are set to offer a range of specialised dental care services that not all general dentists are able to provide, including paediatric dentistry, oral surgical care and treatment for children with special needs.

Minister for Health Mary-Anne Thomas said the investment from the government would allow for children to maintain good dental health, which helps to establish lifelong healthy habits.

“The new hubs will expand the overall capacity of our public dental system, meaning more Victorians can get the care they need sooner, and closer to home,” Ms Thomas said.

“These new hubs will also provide great career opportunities for those interested in dentistry and in a way that benefits regional communities.”

Children can be referred to the new hub services through the Smile Squad program, which since 2019 has given free dental examinations and treatments to kids in Victorian government schools.

The program has helped thousands of children so far receive high quality free dental care at their school that is beyond annual checkup work like fillings, root canals and crowns.

The government hopes the new regional hub services, which are set to open later this year, can expand the state’s dental workforce, creating more jobs and support for Victoria’s public dental service both now and into the future.

To find out more, go to smilesquad.vic.gov.auChildren can be referred to the new hub through the Smile Squad schools dentist program. Photo: SUPPLIED