The Lower Hume Primary Care Partnership (PCP) has expanded the Smiles 4 Miles initiative to over 40 organisations in the region through partnerships with local government as well as public and private dental clinics. This initiative is now reaching over 1,700 children in kindergartens, long day care, family day care, neighbourhood house childcare programs and maternal and child health centres.
Smiles 4 Miles aims to improve the oral health of preschool children and their families in high risk areas across Victoria. The program focuses on creating environments that support and promote the oral health of young children.
The Lower Hume PCP began coordinating Smiles 4 Miles within Mitchell and Murrindindi Shire in 2012. They focused on forming partnerships with public and private dental clinics and local government, and extending registrations to settings beyond kindergartens to reach children and their families in the places where they spend their time.
As a result, four dental clinics visit all Smiles 4 Miles services within Mitchell Shire annually, and shire maternal and child health centres actively promote oral health to families.
By working with other organisations and services, Lower Hume PCP has increased the reach of the Smiles 4 Miles initiative and helped to create health promoting environments in the local community.
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