Merri Health CEO Tassia Michaleas , Victorian MP Lizzie Blanthorn , Coburg North Primary School Principal Monika Gruss and students launched Merri ’ s Smile Squad
FREE DENTAL CARE TO STUDENTS
We are now delivering free dental care to government primary and secondary schools in Merri-bek as part of Smile Squad , a partnership with Dental Health Services Victoria !
The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in a decline in children seeing dentists , due to difficulty accessing appointments . This has resulted in children presenting with more dental issues .
The program gives Merri ’ s dental team the opportunity to see children who may have social , geographic or financial barriers to accessing dental services , reducing the burden of oral disease and its impact on young people and families .
We were delighted to finally launch our Smile Squad at Coburg North Primary School in April with School Principal Monika Gruss , students and Victorian MP Lizzie Blanthorn , after COVID-19 restrictions delayed our planned start in 2020 .
What did we achieve ?
274 children received free dental care at Coburg North Primary School
partnered with Dental Health Services Victoria and schools in Merri-bek to launch Smile Squad
What ’ s next ?
• delivering Smile Squad dental care at 22 additional schools in the next 18 months
• promoting the program to encourage all government schools in Merri-bek to sign-up
“ COVID-19 resulted in a decline in children seeing dentists , due to barriers getting appointments . We ’ re so pleased to be bringing kids the dental care they deserve and need as part of Smile Squad .” – CEO , Tassia Michaleas
BRINGING LITTLE SMILES TO DISADVANTAGED KIDS
We extended our Little Smiles Program , providing education sessions and dental screenings for vulnerable children and their families in playgroups across Merri-bek .
We prioritise groups with children and families who are new arrivals in Australia or who have a non-English speaking background .
MERRI HEALTH / ANNUAL REPORT 2022
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