By Brendan Rees
Premier Daniel Andrews visited Clyde Primary School to announce the State Government’s promise to provide free dental care at all public schools, if re-elected.
In a pitch to families ahead of the state election, Mr Andrews said dental vans will visit all public schools, saving parents both time and money.
The initiative will cover oral health education and check-ups, radiographs, teeth cleaning, application of fluoride and dental sealants, fillings, root canals and impressions for mouth guards.
Speaking at Clyde Primary School on Sunday 18 November, Mr Andrews pledged $395.8 million for the project will sees families save around $400 a year per child in dental costs.
“Tooth decay is completely preventable, so we’re ensuring all Victorian students at government schools can get the dental care they deserve,” he said.
At the end of 2021, Labor says it will review the program with a view to expand it to low-fee Catholic and independent schools.
Students will also be provided with a free dental pack each year to promote ongoing oral health.
Opposition health spokeswoman Mary Wooldridge said in August new data released under Freedom of Information showed Victoria’s public dental system was plagued with “excessive wait times” and a “failure to keep up with demand.”
“Daniel Andrews needs to stop blaming everyone else and instead step up and take responsibility for the dental health of Victorians,” she said.
“The first step would be to increase transparency and publish waiting list numbers and times by clinic so the full extent of the dental challenges are available for all to assess.”
