BENDIGO students are set to receive free dental treatment as part of a statewide program rolling out in Greater Bendigo.
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The Smile Squad program will provide free dental care and education to 12,500 student in the region.
Premier Daniel Andrews visited Bendigo on Friday to announce the area was the location of the latest push.
Thirty-five public primary and secondary schools in Greater Bendigo will take part in the program.
Mr Andrews said everything short of braces was funded in the program, all during school hours.
It comes as public dental patients face long wait times to access treatment.
Dentists warned in 2018 people's health was put at risk in a public system with sometimes years-long wait times.
Forty-one per cent of Victorians were eligible for public dental services, but only one in four accessed them, according to a 2016 Auditor General's report.
Mr Andrews said the Smile Squad Program was an increase in funding to public dental health care, taking about 100,000 children out of the state funded system.
He said this meant people on waiting lists were able to move up and get the care they needed.
Bendigo Community Dental Services Senior Oral Health Therapist Sophie McKenna said childhood care could make a significant difference to oral health outcomes long term.
"We're extremely excited about [this program]. It is absolutely needed especially within this area, as we do have a high risk community, she said.
"Dental disease is a significant issue with the children that we see. One in three children enter primary school with tooth decay."
Mr Andrews said good oral and dental health was critical to general health.
"There are many kids who for various reasons miss out on the dental care that is appropriate for them," he said.
"This isn't just about healthcare. This is also about the cost of living. This is much more convenient for parents, they're not having to take time off work.
"Everything from a check-up, to teeth cleaning, the kind of education process around how to be smart with your dental health, all the way through to fillings, root canals if they're needed."
The Smile Squad is set to visit Campaspe, the Macedon Ranges, Hepburn and Buloke this year.
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