Toothpaste drive for kids in care

Australian Dental Foundation (ADFi) will donate 4,800 tubes of toothpaste for children engaged with the child protection and family support system as part of its annual Brush for Good Day on July 31.

ADFi chairman Dr Greg Miller said the Foundation was providing dental checkups and treatment in more than 350 schools and childcare centres regularly in SA, and also working with the Department for Child Protection to ensure our most vulnerable children were receiving support for their oral health.

This relationship is led by an MoU with the Department which provides emergency dental treatment for children in care; dental and orthodontic assistance for those transitioning out of State care; clinics at DCP offices throughout SA during the school holidays; and the provision of essential oral hygiene products.

“Brushing your teeth twice a day is the number one way to prevent dental problems. Every patient we see receives advice on looking after their teeth and a free toothbrush to take home,” Dr Miller said.

This will now be supplemented with free toothpaste.

“While we’re not suggesting guardians can’t provide this resource to children in their care, it is an important way to remind people about the importance of dental care,” he said.

“We value our partnership with DCP and the support of the Minister who has encouraged us to expand our collaboration.”

Minister for Child Protection Katrine Hildyard said the MoU with the Foundation was important for children in care.

“Oral health is integral to full body health and to a person’s sense of wellbeing and confidence and it starts from birth,” Minister Hildyard said.

“I am so proud that the Department for Child Protection is continuing its partnership with the Australian Dental Foundation.

“Everyone has a part to play in ensuring the children and young people who most need our support have what they need to thrive. I am really grateful that the Australian Dental Foundation is playing its part by ensuring children and young people engaged with the system have access to the dental care they need to be healthy and feel as confident as possible.

“This partnership helps bring a smile to the faces of so many kids.”

ADFi will be in Rundle Mall from 10am to 2pm on Thursday July 31, to hand out free toothbrushes, toothpaste and spread the word about the importance of oral care.

“We know that good dental health in childhood contributes to good oral health in adulthood and prevents children being in pain, missing school and in the worst cases, being admitted to hospital for treatment of dental problems,” Dr Miller