As the School Based Youth Health Nurse, I work with the school community to promote health and wellbeing, create a supportive, healthy school environment and connect people with other support services.  Most students by the age of 12 have all their adult teeth except their wisdom teeth (third molars). So looking after our teeth with good dental hygiene prevents oral health diseases.

QLD Health recommends:

• Drink well, preferably water. Avoid drinks with added sugars like soft drinks, cordials, juices, sports drinks, energy drinks and flavoured milk helps against tooth decay.
• Eat well, by eating a variety of healthy foods. Avoid foods high in sugar and regular snacking on sweet or processed foods as this can increase the risk of tooth decay. Snacks that are dairy-based can help protect against tooth decay.
• Clean well, you should brush your teeth twice a day with a small, soft toothbrush, and floss daily. Avoid medium or hard toothbrushes as they may damage teeth and gums.

Use a fluoride toothpaste, gently clean all surfaces of the teeth and along the gumline.

• Stay well, don’t wait until there is a problem. Regular dental check-ups (usually every 6 to 12 months) are important to keep teeth, gums and mouth healthy. and most children and teenagers in Queensland are eligible for free public dental care. Through free public dental care or the Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS).
• Wearing mouthguards for sport. Accidents involving teeth and related oral tissue are very common, a considerable number of these injuries occur during contact sport. A mouthguard can minimise injuries to teeth, the jaw and surrounding tissue. You can buy Mouthguards from chemist’s and supermarkets but it is recommended to get a custom-made mouthguard by a dental practitioner that fits the mouth accurately.

WILSONTON STATE HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS CAN ACCESS THE SCHOOL DENTAL SERVICE AT WILSONTON STATE SCHOOL.

• Free public dental care with no out-of-pocket cost is offered to all children until the end of year 12. (Please note: From 27/05/25 the eligibility criteria have changed.)

The School Dental Service Team consists of a Dentist, Dental Therapists, Oral Health Therapists and Dental Assistants. They advise if your child needs specialist dental treatment.

• If your child is eligible for the Medicare Child Dental Benefit Schedule, the benefit will be utilised. You can find out if your child is eligible for CDBS by: checking online through MyGov – Medicare or phoning Medicare on 132011 and follow the prompts.
  
  
• Registration forms were handed out to children last week. If you would like your child/children to participate in the dental care program, please complete each section of the registration form, sign and return it to the School Office by Tuesday 05 August 2025. Please note that by signing this form, you are only advising the School Dental service of your wish to participate in the dental care program and providing personal information to allow them to contact you.
  
  
• The process for making your child’s first appointment with the School Dental Service has changed. The first point of contact may be via SMS. If responding via the Call Centre on 1300 082 662, please choose Option 3 to speak with School Dental Service.

PLEASE REMEMBER:

• Children will be seen at the School Dental Van located at Wilsonton State School.
• Parents/Legal Guardians must attend all appointments.
• Medicare Card - please bring this card to the appointment.
• There are limited appointments available before and after school and most appointments will be during school time.
• Oral Health does not accept any responsibility for transport of the children to and from their appointments.
• Appointment changes are often advised via SMS. Please read all text messages carefully.

A reminder even though it’s winter it’s important to be SUNSAFE, wear a hat and put on sunscreen and drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.

Angela Kain
School Based Youth Health Nurse
Working Mon, Tues & Wed based in the Support Hub