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Stay well

Key messages

    Have your child’s teeth checked before 2 years of age.

  • Children should have an oral health assessment by age 2. This can be done by a Maternal and Child Health nurse, family doctor, dentist or other oral health professional.
  • Children should continue to have regular oral health assessments after the age of 2 as advised by their oral health professional.
 

See ‘Stay well’ section in Healthy Little Smiles resource kit

Learning experiences

Share messages about stay well routinely with children

Talking points for children

  • Visiting the dentist helps to keep your teeth healthy
  • Dentists are special people who help you look after your teeth.
  • You should have your teeth checked by a dentist before you are 3 years old.
  • You have 20 teeth by the time you are 3 years old.
  • Your mum or dad can lift your lip to look for tooth decay.

Note: The term ‘dentist’ has been used for simplicity. Children could also be seen by a dental therapist or oral health therapist.

Messages adapted from NSW Little Smiles. Dental Health Resource Package for Childcare Professionals, NSW Department of Health. www.health.nsw.gov.au

Educators can support this through

  • Storytelling and narratives – For example, stories about visiting the dentist. Have children tell their story about going to the dentist
  • Music – For example, sing songs about visiting the dentist
  • Role play – For example, visiting the dentist
  • Everyday conversations - For example, explain that a dentist is a person who can help keep their teeth strong and healthy and that visiting the dentist is part of taking care of their teeth.

Books

Suggested oral health story books for early childhood services
Dental Health Services Victoria website: www.dhsv.org.au

Your local librarian or book shop may have more ideas for children’s books about teeth

Songs

Engaging families

Support families to encourage healthy eating though

  • Have meaningful discussions
  • Tip sheets
  • Information and tips in your newsletter
  • Write a letter to families
  • Display information in your foyer and/or newsletter
  • Role modelling good oral health behaviours

Online resources and websites

Newsletter article
'Stay well' article in Oral health newsletter inserts for Early Childhood Services
Dental Health Services Victoria website: www.dhsv.org.au

Tip sheets
Dental checks – young children
Better Health Channel website: www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au

For the Aboriginal community
Healthy Tribes – Story on Health for children
NSW Health website: www.health.nsw.gov.au

For information on dental care fees, eligibility and priority groups

To find public dental clinics

To find a private dental service

Professional practice and organisational policies

Develop policies and procedures

Outline your commitment to oral health, including healthy food and drink, preventive approaches and access to dental care in your organisation’s policies.

A policy document provides clear, consistent information for all staff and carers working with children, as well as for parents and families. Thorough policies can demonstrate a commitment to healthy eating and oral health, and ensure a high quality of practice.

Sample policy: Healthy eating and oral health sample policy
Healthy Together Victoria Achievement Program website: http://www.achievementprogram.health.vic.gov.au/early-childhood-services

Online resources and websites

Child Dental Benefit Schedule (CDBS), Dental Health Services Victoria
https://www.dhsv.org.au/public-dental-services/childdental

Child Dental Benefit Schedule (CDBS), Department of Human Services
www.humanservices.gov.au/customer/services/medicare/child-dental-benefits-schedule

find your nearest dental clinic

Useful Links