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Key resources
The Victorian Smiles 4 miles program aims to improve the oral health of preschool aged children. Dental Health Services Victoria works in partnership with health and education sectors and local communities to provide training, resources and support to assist early childhood settings in achieving good oral health for children. Smiles 4 miles primarily targets children and families considered at high risk of developing oral disease, complementing programs that work with disadvantaged communities including Neighbourhood renewal and Best start.
The Smiles 4 miles program is active in 34 local agencies including councils, primary care partnerships and community service providers throughout metropolitan and regional Victoria and has reached over 350 early childhood settings.
Smiles 4 miles is based on the World Health Organisation's Ottawa Charter and the Health Promoting Schools Framework with the aim being to promote lifelong oral and general health across all sectors of the community. This is achieved by encouraging healthy eating and drinking habits in children and their families through:
The key messages promoted in the program are:
A resource toolkit has been developed and includes tip cards, fact sheets, stickers, and 'how to brush' charts which are free for Victorians and available from the DHSV Health Promotion Team. Specific to the Smiles 4 miles program, Smiles 4 miles early childhood settings can access other resources (drink bottles and lunch bags) which can be ordered through the appropriate local coordinator.
Defenders of the tooth resources have been developed through the Smiles 4 miles program and include chatterboxes, fact sheets, tip cards and an interactive computer resource.
Health Promotion Team
Ph:(03) 9341 1203
Fax: (03) 9486 4730
Email: healthpromotion@dhsv.org.au
Dental Health Services Victoria (DHSV) have developed a number of resources to emphasise their Eat well, Drink well, Clean well, Play well and Stay well messages for children. The resources will appeal to children from different cultural backgrounds through the use of ethnically diverse characters.
The Defenders of the tooth adventure playground is an interactive computer resource which includes a number of games, such as an online colouring activity and word games, as well as quizzes, tips and guides on good oral health care. There are a variety of settings relevant to children including playground, canteen, dental van, and home.
Other resources, like chatterboxes, factsheets and tip cards, have also been developed using characters of Munchgirl, Waterboy and Brushboy.
Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet abstract
Dental Health Services Victoria (DHSV) provide Defenders of the tooth resources for oral health professionals. This fact sheet provides information on DHSV and the programs and projects they develop (including Smiles 4 miles, Innovation and Oral health for better health). There is specific information on the Eat well, Drink well, Clean well, Play well and Stay well initiatives emphasised in the Defenders of the tooth resources.
Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet abstract
