Smiles 4 Miles is an initiative of Dental Health Services Victoria working in partnership with local organisations to improve the oral health of the youngest children in the community. The program is based on the World Health Organisation’s Health Promoting Schools Framework and is implemented through early childhood services such as kindergartens and child care centres.
Why participate in the Smiles 4 Miles Award Program?
By participating in Smiles 4 Miles, early childhood services will receive training, resources and support to help meet the award criteria. The benefits to early childhood services include:
- Enhanced public recognition and profile by creating a healthier environment for children
- Promotional opportunities in local media
- A Smiles 4 Miles award
What are the criteria for obtaining the Smiles 4 Miles Award?
The Smiles 4 Miles Award Program has four broad criteria which must be met to obtain the Smiles 4 Miles award. The criteria relate to:
- Nutrition and water policy review or development
- Drink well and Eat well surveys
- Curriculum activities supporting the key messages
- Parent engagement activities
How can early childhood services become involved in the Smiles 4 Miles Award Program?
If you are an early childhood service and located in Victoria, simply fill out the expression of interest form below and return to Dental Health Services Victoria (details on form). Dental Health Services Victoria will then contact your service to discuss the Program in more detail.
Smiles 4 Miles expression of interest form (DOC, 122KB)
Please note the Smiles 4 Miles Award Program is only available to early childhood services located in Victoria.
How can health organisations contribute to the Smiles 4 Miles program?
Dental Health Services Victoria partners with a range of health organisations such as local government, community health services and primary care partnerships. The role of local health organisations is to provide support to early childhood services to achieve the Smiles 4 Miles award. If your health organisation is interested in partnering on the Smiles 4 Miles Award Program and is located in Victoria, please contact the health promotion team at Dental Health Services Victoria.
What are the Smiles 4 Miles key messages?
There are three key messages promoted through the Smiles 4 Miles program:
Drink well - tap water is the preferred drink, limit sugary and fizzy drinks and plain milk is preferable to flavoured.
Eat well - enjoy a variety of nutritious foods, limit sugary foods especially between meals and enjoy healthy snacks.
Clean well - brush twice a day with a low fluoride (children's) toothpaste, encourage flossing and develop good oral hygiene practices at an early age.
For further information, please contact the Health Promotion team on 9341 1196 or email healthpromotion@dhsv.org.au