Every child deserves a healthy smile.
BHN is proud to partner with the Victorian Government to deliver Smile Squad to provide high quality, accessible dental care for children.
Smile Squad provides a dental examination, oral health education and treatment (excluding orthodontics) delivered via a mobile Smile Squad van onsite at schools or onsite at our dental clinics located at Parkdale, Bentleigh, South Melbourne and Prahran.
Free dental for students at public and some low fee independent schools
Smile Squad dental examinations, treatment and oral health education are free for all Victorian government, specialist school students and select low fee independent schools.
Convenient dental care during school hours
Students will be seen by the mobile Smile Squad van during school hours, saving families time and money.
We also have onsite dental services at our four locations including Parkdale, Bentleigh, South Melbourne and Prahran giving parents the option to have dental check ups and treatment carried out after school hours if they wish.
Skilled staff who are experts with children
BHN’s friendly dental experts are highly skilled and trained oral health professionals that are specialists in carrying out dental work with children specifically. Working with children is what our team does all day every day, so it’s no surprise that children respond positively to our staff.
Dental health check-ups
After parental consent has been provided, at the first appointment (the check-up), Smile Squad will check the student’s teeth and mouth and provide preventive care if required.
Dental health check-ups will be delivered at school or in house at one of the BHN dental locations.
Services may include:
- teeth cleaning
- x-rays of teeth
- fluoride varnish application
- fissure sealants
- advice about dental health and diet.
Follow-up treatment
If a student needs follow-up treatment, Smile Squad will seek consent from parents or carers and make another appointment. The treatment appointment may take place in a treatment van on the school site or at the local BHN dental clinics. The dental van has a full dental clinic set-up.
More complex treatments will occur at the community dental agency. These extra treatments are also completely free of charge.
Depending on the student’s needs, treatment services may include:
- fillings
- root canals
- extractions
- all other general treatment required.
The program does not include orthodontics or cosmetic treatment.
Who can use our free dental services?
- Smile Squad is available free to ALL students enrolled in Victorian government schools.
- Students aged under 13 attending an independent primary school such as a catholic school or a private school can still attend at BHN dental clinic for a low cost of $39 which includes all services.
- You do not need to qualify for the Child Dental Benefits Scheme (CDBS).
- Students do not need to be an Australian Citizen.
- They do not need to hold a Medicare card.
- General dental care is accessible through the Smile Squad team at school and at your local community dental clinic.
Fees and charges
- Free dental care to all Victorian government primary school students.
- For catholic or private primary school students a fee of $39 will be charged.
Book the Smile Squad van today
To request the Smile Squad van attend your school please request this through your school.
Alternatively bring your child to a local BHN dental clinic. To make an appointment please call BHN Dental on 132 246.
This program is being led by the Department of Health and Dental Health Services Victoria, with input from the Department of Education. Services are currently being delivered across Victoria by local community dental agencies.
Evidence-based service, references, websites/links and resources: