Expanding oral health service for Tasmanian children

Sarah Courtney,Minister for Health

Early education and preventative treatment for oral health is vital for setting children up for a healthier future.

That’s why the Hodgman majority Liberal Government is expanding our Fissure Sealant and Fluoride Varnish program to more Government school students, investing nearly $1 million for three new purpose-built mobile dental vans to deliver the program in 2020.

This includes state funding for asset replacement, as well as contributions from the Child Dental Benefits Scheme.

Oral Health Services Tasmania has been delivering the program since 2014, which is helping reduce tooth decay – something that can lead to other complications later in life.

Under the Hodgman majority Liberal Government, the program began with just three schools and has grown to more than 80 schools in 2019. This year alone, Oral Health Services Tasmania has delivered more than 3,800 fluoride varnish applications and more than 4,200 fissure sealants to Tasmanian school children aged six to 12, to help prevent cavities in newly erupted permanent molars.

Next year, the program will be expanded to even more schools, with the new vans anticipated to be delivered by the end of this year.

Importantly, you don’t need to wait for the service to visit your child’s school. All families have access to dental services for children under 18, free of charge in most cases. To contact your nearest clinic, parents and carers can phone 1300 011 013.

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