The Smiling Starts Early Childhood Dental Program is an initiative of the Government of Western Australia (WA).
Smiling Starts will offer all children under 5, free access to oral health information, screenings and preventive care, ensuring a healthier future for every young smile in our State.
Children between 6 to 17 months of age will be part of the first intake (stage one), allowing them to grow with the program over time.
By teaming up with dedicated oral health professionals and caring communities, Smiling Starts is ensuring that good oral health habits start early — because a healthy smile is a superpower everyone deserves.
We know prevention is key when it comes to oral health. Smiling Starts is partnering with your community health nurse to help make sure your child's teeth stay healthy and strong.
Your community health nurse will offer an early oral health screening at your 12-month child health check. If there are any concerns identified by the nurse, or by you, you can be referred to the Smiling Starts program. Your community health nurse will advise you when the program is available in your area.
Smiling Starts will offer:
With the Smiling Starts program, your child will have an opportunity to learn and develop habits that will stay with them throughout their development, helping them keep their smile bright and healthy as they grow.
To be eligible for Smiling Starts, your child must be a WA resident and aged 6 to 17 months of age.
Stay tuned for more information about further development of the program over the coming months. Once the program is fully implemented, all WA children under 5 years of age will be eligible for important preventive treatment and education through the Smiling Starts Early Childhood Dental Program.
