Merri Health launches Smile Squad: free dental care in Moreland schools

Published May 05 2022

On Friday 29 April, Merri Health CEO Tassia Michaleas joined local MP Lizzie Blanthorn and Coburg North Primary School Principal Monika Gruss at Coburg North Primary School to launch the highly anticipated Smile Squad program.

Merri Health is delivering free dental care to primary and secondary school kids in Moreland as part of Smile Squad, a Victorian Government initiative led by Dental Health Services Victoria and delivered by community dental agencies across the state.

Smile Squad provides access to free mobile dental care for all Victorian public school students, at school during school hours.

Tassia Michaleas said Smile Squad is a timely program as the recent COVID-19 pandemic resulted in a decline in children seeing dentists, due to the barriers faced in accessing appointments.

“During the COVID-19 pandemic children were often not able to access dental appointments due to lockdowns and other restrictions. This has resulted in children now presenting with more dental issues”, Ms Michaleas said.

“We’re so pleased to be bringing kids the dental care they deserve and need as part of Smile Squad.”

Smile Squad will be delivered via up to 250 dental vans.

“Merri Health joined Smile Squad in 2019, however the COVID-19 pandemic delayed us delivering it in schools. We’re delighted to now launch the program and ensure children in Moreland have happy, healthy smiles,” Ms Michaleas said.

All state primary and secondary schools in Moreland have access to Smile Squad – all they have to do is sign up.

For more information and to find out which schools Smile Squad will be visiting, visit https://www.smilesquad.vic.gov.au/