Victoria’s school dental programme is set to reach more students, with the Victorian Government confirming an expansion of Smile Squad to include children attending low-fee non-government schools.
The programme, which has operated in public schools since 2019, will initially be introduced in 54 selected schools across the state before a broader rollout. The expansion brings independent and community school students into a system that offers check-ups, treatment and follow-up care at no cost to families.
Mobile dental teams deliver services on school grounds, reducing the need for parents to arrange appointments outside school hours. The model has been positioned as a practical way to improve access to oral health care while easing pressure on household budgets.
Regular dental visits can cost families hundreds of dollars each year per child. Removing that expense has been a central feature of the programme, particularly as cost of living pressures remain a concern for many households.
Since its launch, Smile Squad has visited more than 1,000 public schools, seen over 160,000 students and distributed more than one million oral health packs. The government says the next phase will build on that reach, with a focus on students who may not have had consistent access to dental care.
Premier Jacinta Allan said the expansion aims to ensure children are not excluded from care due to cost. Health Minister Mary-Anne Thomas highlighted the role of early intervention, while Deputy Premier Ben Carroll pointed to the goal of equal access across different school systems.
The programme has been welcomed by many schools and families, particularly in communities where access to dental services can be limited. At the same time, questions around long-term funding and workforce capacity are likely to remain part of the policy conversation as the scheme grows.
A list of participating schools spans metropolitan and regional areas, including locations such as North Melbourne, Werribee, Shepparton and Bendigo. The phased approach is expected to continue as more schools are brought into the programme.
Further details about eligibility and participating schools are available through the Victorian Government’s health channels.
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