North West Hospital and Health Service (HHS) has rolled out its fluoride screening program for 2023 across schools in the region.

This preventative initiative aims to improve the oral health of children in the community by teaching them about good eating and brushing habits and providing a simple check of their teeth.

North West HHS Dental Manager Jaime Ford said the program involves a team of qualified dentists, oral health therapists and dental assistants seeing children in a familiar setting, surrounded by their classmates and teacher.

“For some children, this is the first time they are seeing the dentist. This program allows us to introduce children to what it may be like to visit a dentist in a safe and fun environment,” she said.

“We know that children living in rural towns often face more dental challenges than those in urban areas, so instilling good oral health habits from an early age promotes healthier teeth throughout their lives.

“During school hours, students participate in a series of engaging and educational activities including learning about the ‘sugar bugs’ responsible for tooth decay and estimating sugar content in popular foods and drinks.

“They also learn about proper brushing techniques using fun and interactive songs to make oral care more enjoyable.

“Each child also receives a visual examination by a qualified dentist or oral health therapist allowing for early identification of any potential oral health issues.”

Since its inception in 2019, the fluoride screening program has been implemented in Mount Isa, Cloncurry, Dajarra, and Karumba with thousands of children being seen.

The fluoride screening program is free for all students attending participating schools, ensuring that every child can benefit from professional dental care.

Following any visual checks, a note is sent home to parents outlining whether their child needs any further treatment, and subsequent appointments at the dental clinic can be made.