POLICY CONTENT

Early childhood is an important time for developing good dental hygiene practices. From the time a baby starts teething, keeping gums and teeth clean can safeguard against cavities in the ‘baby’ teeth which can also cause damage to the permanent teeth underneath.  Our School promotes the importance of good dental health to children and families.  
 

NATIONAL QUALITY STANDARD (NQS) 

QUALITY AREA 2: Children's Health and Safety

2.1	Health	Each child’s health and physical activity is supported and promoted.
2.1.2	Health practices and procedures	Effective illness and injury management and hygiene practices are promoted and implemented.
2.1.3	Healthy lifestyle	Healthy eating and physical activity are promoted and appropriate for each child.

PURPOSE 

We aim to promote children’s general wellbeing by creating an environment that supports healthy dental and oral health habits and practices that can be maintained throughout the child’s life. Our School will provide food and drinks with consideration to the sugar content and ensure that drinking water is always available. 
 

SCOPE 

This policy applies to children, families, staff, management, and visitors of the School. 
 

IMPLEMENTATION 

We believe it is important for all children to practice a high level of dental hygiene. We follow the guidelines of the Australian Dental Association and State Government Health Departments when caring for children’s teeth.  

We provide information and guidelines on good dental health practices, which are implemented into the daily routine, including swish and swallow after mealtimes, providing information about brushing teeth and tooth friendly snacks and drinks, and going to the dentist.  

To minimise the risk of cavities forming we encourage children to eat nutritious foods and to avoid sticky and sugary foods.  All food served and prepared at our School comply with these guidelines by providing a variety of recommended vegetables, fruit, and dairy products. Children will be encouraged to drink water.  
 
Management/ Nominated Supervisor will: 

• ensure that food and drinks provided by the School adhere to recommendations from organisations such as Crunch and Sip, and recognised authorities. The Royal Children’s Hospital of Melbourne recommends that children should avoid foods and drinks such as: 
  • Chocolate 
  • Lollies 
  • Sweetened breakfast cereals 
  • Biscuits 
  • Fruit bars 
  • Muesli bars 
  • Soft drink 
  • Flavoured milk 
  • Juice 
  • Sports drinks 
  • Cordial 
  • Flavoured water 
• always ensure children have access to safe drinking water 
• ensure the routine incorporates ‘swish and swallow’ after each mealtime 
• ensure enrolment form contains up to date information about each child’s family dentist (in case of emergency)

Educators will: 

• provide opportunities to discuss dental health education and food and drink choices to support dental health with children 
• provide resources to support dental health learning such as books, posters, ‘giant’ teeth and toothbrushes, etc. 
• pay particular attention to meal and snack times to ensure healthy food is being eaten 
• encourage children to drink water after each mealtime 
• arrange visits by dental professionals so that children and families can learn correct brushing techniques and oral care 
• provide dental care information to families through newsletters, posters, professional visits, web links and brochures 
• promote Dental Health Week with children and families each year. 

DENTAL EMERGENCIES  

• It is important for educators to be aware of how to manage dental accidents and emergencies. Our School will:  
• ensure there is an educator on duty with current first aid qualifications to follow dental accident procedures 
• ensure procedures for Administrating First Aid are adhered to 
• ensure families are notified of any injury as soon as is reasonably practicable 
• ensure that the phone number of an emergency dentist is located near the office phone 
• ensure children are supervised at all times to minimise accidents and incidents.  

SOURCE 

Australian Children’s Education & Care Quality Authority. (2014). 
Australian Dental Association ada.org.au/Dental-Health-Week-2020 
Australian Government Services Australia Child Dental Benefits Schedule servicesaustralia.gov.au/individuals/services/medicare... 
Education and Care Services National Law Act 2010. (Amended 2018). 
Education and Care Services National Regulations. (2011) 
Guide to the National Quality Framework. (2017). (amended 2020) 
National Childcare Accreditation Council (NCAC) (2006). Ask a child care adviser: Dental health. Putting Children First, 18, 10-12.  
Raising Children Network: raisingchildren.net.au 
Revised National Quality Standard. (2018).