Every kindergarten in the Loddon Mallee Preschool Association has received a Smiles 4 Miles award after providing environments that support healthy eating and oral health, engage families about the importance of oral health and educate children through a variety of fun learning experiences.

Smiles 4 Miles is developed by Dental Health Services Victoria and implemented in partnership with Bendigo Health, Echuca Regional Health and Swan Hill and District Health to improve the dental health of children.

Bendigo Health’s healthy communities team leader Pauline Nolan said having so many kindergartens receive the award sets the bar high.

“Dental decay is one of the highest reasons of preventable hospital admission in children,” she said.

“It's lifestyle related. So the message we are getting across is about drinking water, reducing sugar intake, eating healthy and cleaning twice a day.”