Educators – primary and secondary
Kids should be able to learn and play without dental pain getting in the way. Schools have the opportunity to drive change and support good oral health and wellbeing in the community.
Oral health promotion programs
Want to make lasting positive changes to the health of your school community? Getting involved with a formal program is a great way to get the support you need to improve healthy eating and oral health.
Smile Squad
Smile Squad is a Victorian Government program that offers free dental care to all Victorian government primary and secondary school students. The program is managed by DHSV, and services are delivered by community dental agencies.
Smile Squad offers a great opportunity for schools to focus on improving healthy eating and oral health. Check out the strategies and resources in the guide to supporting good oral health in schools.
Not a Smile Squad school? No problem
The key actions in the Smile Squad guide can help any school better promote healthy eating and oral health. See how your school can foster healthy young smiles.
Vic Kids Eat Well
Vic Kids Eat Well supports schools, outside school hours care, sports clubs and other community organisations to offer healthier food and drink options. The emphasis is on simple changes and healthy swaps that make a big impact.
The Achievement Program
The Achievement Program assists schools to create healthier environments and recognises their work to improve the health and wellbeing of their communities. Healthy eating and oral health is one of the areas schools can chose to make a priority.
Resources for school staff
Smile Squad toolkit
Whether or not your school is participating in Smile Squad, use our guide to explore the ways you can support good oral health for your school community.
Healthy Eating Advisory Service
The Healthy Eating Advisory Service, run by the Nutrition Australia Victoria Division, offers information and support on food and nutrition and the provision of healthy foods and drinks in primary and secondary schools.
Oral health lesson plans
A swag of free, curriculum-aligned and teacher-approved lesson plans let you investigate interesting aspects of oral health with students across all ages and subjects. Go to the Cool Australia website to access the full suite.
More support for healthy eating and oral health in Victorian schools
There are a whole range of organisations who are passionate about healthy eating and oral health in schools. Use this infographic to see who can help you strengthen your curriculum, policies and practices. Use one or all of them, they are there to help!
Information for students and families
For younger children
Drink well, Eat well, Clean well tip cards
Caring for gums and teeth 0-6 years
Video: Toothbrushing with toddlers and preschoolers 18 months – 6 years
Translated oral health information
For young adults
Oral health tip cards for young adults
Drink well, Eat well, Clean well tip card
How to brush guide
How to brush with an electric toothbrush
How smoking affects your mouth
Find more resources in the DHSV resource library
Useful links
Better Health Channel
Raising Children Network
Rethink Sugary Drink
The Australian Dietary Guidelines (2013)
Related pages
DHSV – General oral health advice for children
DHSV – General oral health advice for young adults
