Children in the Illawarra Shoalhaven region are receiving free, fast and convenient school-based dental care thanks to the rollout of a mobile dental van in the region.
The NSW Health Primary School Mobile Dental Program launched in the Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District (ISLHD) in October 2023 and has visited 15 schools and provided dental care for more than 1500 children in its first 12 months.
The mobile dental van visits participating primary schools in the region and provides onsite dental check-ups, cleans, X-rays and other preventive treatments, as well as education on good oral hygiene practices.
This initiative not only addresses immediate dental needs but also equips children with the knowledge to maintain their oral health.
In addition to the Primary School Mobile Dental Program, all children under 18 years of age can access free dental care provided by NSW Health at public dental clinics.
“It is fantastic to see that the dental van has made 1000 visits to public schools across NSW, offering free check-ups to so many public school students,” Deputy Premier and Minister for Education and Early Learning Prue Car said.
“It is critical for young students to learn healthy habits from an early age, and free visits from mobile dental clinics have now helped thousands of students do just that.”
Minister for Health Ryan Park added: “I am thrilled to see this innovative program bring dental care directly to our schools, making it easier for children in the Illawarra and Shoalhaven to receive essential dental check-ups and treatments.
“The program is part of a broader commitment by the NSW Government to enhance health services across the state, focusing on preventive care and early intervention.”
