Carevan Sun Smiles Program Booklet February 2016

Tooth decay has a profound impact on a childs quality of life.
Over half of 6 year old Australian children have tooth decay (AIHW 2015).
Children experience dental pain and infection which impacts on their physical growth and cognitive
development and lowers their self-esteem. Research shows that poor oral health and toothache can
put children at a serious disadvantage in school. Oral health problems are a significant factor in school
absences. Toothache restricts a childs participation at school and impacts on their academic
performance, leading to lower school grades.
Many children require hospital admission for dental treatment under general anaesthesia caused by
tooth decay. General anaesthesia carries a small but significant risk of mortality and places a large
financial burden on the Australian hospital system.
Access to preventive dental care is a major issue.
Children from low socio-economic families, with rural and CALD backgrounds, are at greater risk of
poor dental health behaviours and limited access to preventive oral healthcare. This places them at a
higher risk of developing tooth decay and other oral health problems.
Sun Smiles dental screening at Wodonga West and Glenroy Primary Schools
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The Carevan Sun Smiles Program
Introduction
The Carevan Sun Smiles program was launched in June 2012, out of a growing concern for
the oral health of primary school children in the Hume region of Australia. The Sun Smiles
program is delivered free to all public primary schools and community groups who participate.
In 2012 Sun Smiles oral health promotion sessions were delivered to 270 Wodonga West
primary school students and 60 Albury Midnight Basketball participants. 224 students
received a dental screening and fluoride varnish treatment.
In 2013 Sun Smiles oral health promotion sessions were delivered to 689 primary school
students at Wodonga West and Glenroy Primary Schools and 60 Albury Midnight Basketball
participants. 597 students received a dental screening and fluoride varnish treatment.
In 2014 over 700 students participated in the Sun Smiles program at Wodonga West,
Wangaratta and Kennington Primary Schools in Victoria and Glenroy and Lavington Public
Schools and Albury Midnight Basketball in NSW.
In 2015 the program was launched at Homebush West Public School, in Western Sydney.
Inaugural Carevan Sun Smiles Team 2012
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Aim
Sun Smiles aims to improve oral health literacy, oral hygiene skills and
access to preventive dental care for primary school children in the
Albury, Wodonga, Bendigo, Wangaratta and Western Sydney regions
to enable future improvements in their oral health.
Objectives
1) Strengthen local community and oral health professionals
capacity to provide oral health promotion and preventive dental care.
2) Develop oral health promotion resources utilising a creative
approach called DATA (Dental Awareness through Art) focuses on the
Carevans youth artwork and oral health puppetry.
3) Build partnerships with Australian Universities to support and
develop Dentistry and Oral Health Therapy students rural clinical
placement and outreach experiences.
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Sun Smiles Program
The Carevan Sun Smiles Program is a free multi-strategy, oral health promotion
and decay prevention program. The Sun Smiles program incorporates strategies
from the Department of Healths Action plan for oral health promotion 2013-
2017.
The program includes 4 key components which are integrated within the World
Health Organisations Health Promoting Schools Framework:
1) Oral Health Promotion: Engaging children through oral health puppetry. Oral
health education and skills development, focused on twice daily toothbrushing
with Colgate fluoride toothpaste.
2) Nutrition: Engaging children in healthy eating choices and encouraging

children to drink fluoridated tap water.
3) Fluoride Varnish: Professionally applied bi-annual Colgate Duraphat 5%

sodium fluoride varnish within the school setting.
4) Dental Referral Pathway: Dental screening and establishment of dental

referral pathways to local Health District Dental Clinics, University Dental Clinics,
Aboriginal Health Services and private dental practices.
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Oral Health Promotion
Oral health education is a key component of the Sun Smiles program. A suite of powerpoint
presentations have been developed, which are presented on the schools interactive white
boards. The presentations cover age specific oral health issues including:
Tooth decay.
Dental erosion.
Nutrition, including soft drink
consumption
The benefits of using fluoride
toothpaste and fluoride varnish to
prevent tooth decay
Innovative hands-on workshops have been developed to engage children in actively learning
about oral health.
Fluorescent disclosing gels and UV torches are used by the children to teach about the
association of dental plaque with tooth decay and gum disease.
Science experiments are used to demonstrate the effect of sugar and bacteria.
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Children receive a Sun Smiles take home showbag which includes:
Colgate fluoride toothpaste and Colgate childrens toothbrush, accessed from the South
Pacific Child Oral Health Taskforce. This is endorsed by International guidelines for
community based provision and use of fluoride toothpaste.
Colgate Bright Smiles Bright Futures brochures.
Plastic dental mirror (from dental screening)
Fluoride varnish homecare brochures.
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Nutrition
The 2011-12 Australian Health Survey (AHS) is the largest and most comprehensive health
survey ever conducted in Australia. The AHS food and nutrients data (ABS 2014) provides the
first comprehensive analysis of what Australians are eating in almost 20 years. Early findings
show that only 30.8% of children aged 8-11 years met the recommended intake of at least 3
serves of vegetables.
The 2007 Australian Childrens Nutrition and Physical Activity Survey, led by a team of
CSIRO and University of South Australia researchers, showed that only 1 in 5 children aged 4-
11 years consumed the recommended amount of dairy foods each day.
The 2007 survey showed that many children are not eating enough nutritious food, which
means they dont get the vitamins and minerals needed during their growth years, especially
calcium for strong bones and teeth. The survey showed that fruit, vegetables and dairy foods
are being replaced by foods high in kilojoules, salt and saturated fat the very dietary patterns
linked to the development of type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease in adults.
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Since food behaviours formed in childhood shape lifelong
dietary habits, an opportunity exists for the Carevan Sun
Smiles program to engage students in healthy eating
choices. Sun Smiles healthy eating messages are aligned
with the oral health messages for the Australian public
national consensus workshop findings (ARCPOH 2011).
Sun Smiles is also guided by the Eat for Health: Australian
Dietary Guidelines (NHMRC 2013) including encouraging
children to drink fluoridated tap water at school and home.
Nutritious fruit and vegetable platters, milk drinks,

yoghurt and cheese are served from the Carevan,
by volunteers, to all school children in the program, to
raise awareness of the consumption of calcium rich dairy
foods and fresh fruits and vegetables for good oral health
and overall general health.
Milk
Cheese
drinks
Fresh fruit
Vegetables
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Oral Health Puppetry
Puppets are a powerful tool in health education, particularly for children with low
literacy. Puppets provide visual and kinetic (touch) learning experiences.
Research shows that oral health education involving puppets provides better
learning outcomes. Oral health puppets are used for role play and to teach
toothbrushing techniques.
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Sun Smiles Mascots
Carevan Cookie Bear and Colgate BSBF Dr Brushwell
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Wangaratta Primary School
Carevan Hot Soup Day June 2014

Wangaratta Primary School Student Representative Council combined fundraising with healthy eating
to host a Carevan hot soup day in June 2014. This whole school event, supported by the Parents &
Friends Club, served nutritious, home made soups from the Wangaratta Carevan. Raising awareness
of healthy eating and the role of the Carevan within the local community. The school students raised
over $500.00 to support the work of the Carevan.
Colgate Oral Care Brigade Recycling Program 2015

Every year in Australia over 30 million toothbrushes and 80 million toothpaste tubes are thrown away.
What a waste! Wangaratta Primary School is participating in the Colgate Oral Care Brigade, a unique
recycling solution by Terracycle. Students are collecting used oral care waste, including old
toothbrushes, toothpaste tubes, floss containers and their outer packaging so it can be recycled. Each
item recycled helps raise funds for the Carevan Sun Smiles Program.
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Kennington Primary School, Bendigo
Sun Smiles visit by La Trobe University students October 2014

Bendigo Oral Health and Dentistry Student (BOHDS) members carried out Sun Smiles oral
health promotion sessions with 93 Grade 4 students at Kennington Primary, with the help of Dr
Rabbit and Colgate Bright Smiles Bright Futures (BSBF) resources.
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Albury Midnight Basketball: Sun Smiles workshops.
Midnight Basketball is a national social inclusion
program to help 'at risk' youth identify and embrace
positive opportunities. Midnight Basketball is open
to youth aged 12 to 18 years.
A hot, nutritious dinner supplied by the Carevan,

compulsory life skills workshops and tournament
basketball games are run at the Police Citizens
Youth Club in East Albury on Friday or Saturday
nights from 7.30pm till midnight. This program
keeps disengaged youth off the streets by providing
a safe environment.
Each year sixty Midnight Basketball players from less advantaged, Indigenous and culturally
and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds, including Sudanese and Bhutanese teenagers,
participate in a Sun Smiles workshops. The program includes a twenty minute Shooting
goals for oral health powerpoint presentation on oral health for teenagers, followed by a
hands-on oral health life-skills workshop.
The workshop involves teenagers applying fluorescent disclosing solution on their own teeth
and learning effective toothbrushing and flossing skills. Each participant receives a Sun
Smiles take home kit, which contains a Colgate toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, Wrigleys Extra
sugar free chewing gum sachets and oral health brochures.
Surveys undertaken by the Midnight Basketball players show many have not been able to
access regular dental visits or receive preventive dental care. The majority of teenagers
expressed a desire to access these services through the Sun Smiles program.
Survey results showed all the dental volunteers felt their involvement in the Sun Smiles
program increased their capacity to carry out oral health promotion activities and they would
volunteer for future Sun Smiles events.
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Fluoride Varnish: evidence based care.
The Health Education Authority Review found programs aimed at decay reduction were
only effective when fluoride agents were used. The efficacy and safety of fluoride varnish has
been supported by an Australian systematic review undertaken by the National Health and
Medical Research Council in 2007. This review corroborates with international systematic
reviews; including a Canadian review (Azarpazhooh & Main 2008) and the recent Cochrane
Collaboration review (Marinho, Worthington, Walsh, Clarkson 2013) showing decay rates
can be reduced by up to 37% in the primary dentition and up to 43 % in the permanent
dentition, with fluoride varnish programs.
Fluoride varnish treatments also align with contemporary Australian clinical protocols, including
the Caries Management System, developed at the University of Sydney (Evans & Dennison
2009). Together with international evidence based guidelines for the use of topical
fluorides from Ireland (OHSRC 2008) and Scotland (SDCEP 2010).
Colgate Duraphat 5% fluoride varnish applied during the mixed dentition phase of a
childs oral development, provides an opportunity to access newly erupting premolars
and high risk tooth surfaces, including the mesial surface of the 1st permanent molars.
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Australian and International community fluoride varnish
programs:
The Ottawa Charter for Health Promotion (World Health Organisation 1986) promotes a
re-orientation of the health system, to focus on prevention and early intervention of disease
and health promotion. This stance is reflected in oral health plans which incorporate
community fluoride varnish programs to prevent or minimise dental caries in children.
In Australia, fluoride varnish programs which use a school or community setting rather than a
dental setting to provide bi-annual 5 per cent sodium fluoride varnish treatments, are emerging
as an effective intervention to reduce decay rates, particularly in disadvantaged at risk rural
children (Slade, Bailie, Robert-Thomson, Leach, Raye, Endean, Simmons and Morris 2010).
A dental surgery with specialised dental equipment is not required to carry out dental
screening and fluoride varnish treatments. This preventive dental care can be easily adapted
and carried out in school or community buildings, using plastic, disposable equipment and
universal infection control procedures. The school setting provides an additional oral health
access point for disadvantaged children who may not be able to access other dental health
services (DOH 2010).
Colgate Duraphat 5% fluoride varnish being applied to high risk areas on childrens
teeth: including decalcified incisors and hypomineralised molars.
International community fluoride varnish programs have been established since 2002.
American, Canadian and Scottish studies contain the largest body of evidence pertaining to
school & community fluoride varnish programs.
Common traits exist between all the international school & community fluoride varnish
programs. The programs focused on children from low socio-economic, rural communities,
providing a minimum twice yearly application of fluoride varnish over a two year period.
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Dental screening and dental referral pathway
School based dental screening has been endorsed by the World Health Organisation (2003).
Dental screening enables early detection and timely intervention of dental diseases, leading to
substantial cost savings for families and communities. Dental screening plays an important role in
understanding the oral health status of children participating in the Sun Smiles program. Screening
enables a thorough oral health needs assessment to be carried out within each participating school,
which assists in program development.
Dental screening, through the Sun Smiles program, also provides many children with their first
encounter with a dental professional. Providing a positive dental experience in a safe, familiar setting,
alleviates anxiety and fosters better rapport with the children. Screening also provides the opportunity
for children to receive individualised oral hygiene advice.
Children who have parental consent are provided with a dental screening prior to their fluoride varnish
application. The dental screening prioritises children who need further dental care, due to tooth decay,
gum disease, orthodontic needs or developmental dental defects (ie: molar incisor hypomineralisation).
Dental referral letters are printed and posted by the primary school to parents, asking them to follow-up
dental care for their child through their local community or university dental clinic or private dental
practice. The new Australian Government Child Dental Benefits Schedule will allow many families
who receive certain Government benefits such as Family Tax Benefit Part A - to access up to
$1,000 in dental care, capped over two years.
Dental screening session at Glenroy Public School, NSW

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Sun Smiles Team
The Sun Smiles Team is an inclusive dental team, incorporating dentists,
orthodontists, dental assistants, hygienists, therapists and oral health therapists.
Sydney University and Charles Sturt University Bachelor of Oral Health and
Dentistry students and their clinical supervisors are integral members of the
team.
Cathryn Carboon, dental hygienist, is the Sun Smiles program manager.

Dr John Brabant, orthodontist and Founder of the Carevan, is a clinical
team leader.
Dr Robert Smith, orthodontist, is a clinical team leader.
Bec Assigal, oral health therapist, is a Sun Smiles member.
School community support is also needed, with leadership from the school
principal, teachers and administration staff. All parents and carers give informed
consent for their children to take part in the Sun Smiles program. Sun Smiles
school ambassadors are chosen from each schools Grade 6 leadership group to
assist with program.
Sun Smiles school ambassadors from Grade 6 assist the dental team.
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Sun Smiles: child centred research & program
evaluation
Sun Smiles is committed to undertaking child centred research and
program evaluation which will inform future program planning.
Research areas include: oral health status, access to preventive
dental care and acceptance of fluoride varnish from a childs
perspective.
Qualitative and Quantitative data is collated to measure the Sun
Smiles program reach and impact. Participant and volunteer surveys
have been developed and trialled which have a mix of structured and
open ended questions.
Written testimonials, which incorporate reflective practice, are
collected from key stakeholders, including University students, primary
school children and the Sun Smiles volunteers.
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Sun Smiles advocacy for access to preventive dental care for children
Part of Sun Smiles mission is to advocate on behalf of school communities for better access to
oral health promotion and preventive dental care for primary school children. The Sun Smiles
program was invited to participate in the Healthy Together Wodonga initiative on 16th
August 2013, to showcase the successful healthy eating and dental programs run at Wodonga
West Primary School. The event was attended by the Hon. David Davis MLC, Victorian
Minister for Health, Bill Tilley MP, Member for Benambra and Wodonga Mayor Mark Byatt.
(Pictured below with Wodonga West students and principals)
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Volunteering: part of the Carevan ethos
The success of the Carevan was acknowledged when the Carevan Foundation was awarded the 2012 NSW
State Volunteer Team of the Year, by the NSW Minister for Citizenship and Communities, Victor Dominello MP.
The success of the Carevan Sun Smiles program was also acknowledged by the Minister at the May 2014 launch
of National Volunteer Week in Sydney.
The personal benefits of volunteering are well established and considerable: longer lives, better health and
wellbeing, greater trust and better connections within communities. Volunteering empowers individuals, helps
form new relationships, builds networks (social and professional) and makes real contributions in areas of need.
Following a known pathway which is flexible and responds to local needs is a powerful way to develop and
support employee volunteering to create positive opportunities and outcomes for local communities. A good
example is Carevan Sun Smiles, currently operating in Albury Wodonga and expanding into Sydney and
Brisbane. Sun Smiles is a dental prevention program, teaching primary school children to improve nutrition and
oral health. The Carevans dental puppets visit schools to make education engaging, supported by local
businesses including dentists, dental supply companies, Rotary, the Commonwealth Bank and Charles Sturt
University. Organisations contribute their labour, expertise and supplies.
What is so good about this project is that it responds to local needs, works collaboratively with local communities
and makes a direct positive difference in the health of children now and in the future. And its made possible by
contributions from businesses of all size, local and national. This is an example of a model project that can be
developed, reproduced and improved in other communities, letting businesses see the tangible benefits
volunteering can deliver for them company, their employees and their communities.
Simon Watts, Senior Manager for NSW Volunteering
Office of Communities, Department of Education and Communities
th
Excerpt from Volunteering is good for business The Sydney Morning Herald May 12 2014
NSW Minister for Citizenship and Communities Victor Dominello MP (left)

at the 2014 Launch of National Volunteer Week.
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Homebush West Public School Launch 10th March 2015
Sun Smiles program launched by Craig Laundy, Federal Member for Reid.
In partnership with The University of Sydney, Faculty of Dentistry.
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Good dental hygiene is paramount to an adults
overall wellbeing. Sun Smiles, through early
intervention and education provides children with the
opportunity to better understand oral health and
gives them a chance to change their lives for the
better. I am proud to be a part of what is truly an
exciting and innovative project.
Congratulations to Dr John Brabant and Cathryn

Carboon for their amazing work in establishing Sun
Smiles. I commend their determination to bring it to
parts of my electorate where such a service is truly
needed. Thank you to all those who have selflessly
volunteered their time to make Sun Smiles in Sydney
a reality, the Sydney University Oral Health staff for
their tireless work behind the scenes and the Oral
Health Therapy students themselves who will be our
next generation of leaders.
Aside from the immediate oral health benefits of Sun Smiles I also see the program as a
testament to the communitys commitment to social justice and social change. The impact of
Sun Smiles will be felt far beyond the classroom bounds. The program does not just provide
an education, but a real opportunity for lifelong social development.
I see it as my role to serve the community and to help provide sustainable solutions to the
problems faced by my area and beyond. Programs such as Sun Smiles, that harness existing
infrastructure, promote partnerships, corporate philanthropy and volunteering are perfect
examples of this.
I know that the success of Sun Smiles will continue to grow and the lives of thousands of
young people will be better for it.
Kind Regards,
Craig Laundy MP
Federal Member for Reid
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Endorsements and Testimonials
It is a pleasure to lend my support to the Sun Smiles program. Sadly, many
children in our region are not getting access to high quality dental care.
Prevention is the best solution to dental care, but too many kids miss out
when they dont visit a dentist regularly. Preventing dental problems early can
stop a lifetime of expensive and invasive remedial care.
Thats where Sun Smiles comes in. Sun Smiles visits local primary schools
working with the school teachers, students and parents in a proactive way to
improve oral health outcomes for all the children involved. With their referral
pathway to dentists and fluoride varnish programs, Sun Smiles are providing
primary dental care to many children who are otherwise getting no care.
Importantly, Sun Smiles also educates children and parents about better
dental hygiene and nutrition. They also follow up with kids to make sure their
teeth are still doing ok six months down the line.
Although Sun Smiles is in its early days, it is already showing positive results
in our community. I wish them all the best for 2014 and hope theyll keep our
region smiling for many years to come.
Cathy McGowan AO MP
Federal Member for Indi
16th December 2013
Cathy McGowan with Wangaratta Primary School students

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Sun Smiles, smiles indeed!
Not only are their smiles from the student and

staff volunteers, but also more importantly,
smiles from the children, teachers and parents.
As part of collaboration between the Carevan
Sun Smiles Program, Craig Laundry (MP for
Reid), and the Faculty of Dentistry at the
University of Sydney, Bachelor of Oral Health
students will have continuing involvement in this
thoroughly well organised, fantastic oral health
program available to us for the first time in
Sydney.
The University of Sydney students and staffs together with the wonderful team at Carevan have the
privilege to work alongside the educational team at Homebush West Primary School (established in
1912). The University of Sydney and The Homebush West Primary School both celebrate and embrace
cultural diversity and with a current and expanding population of approximately 500 children, 97% of
whom are from a non-English speaking background, there is no greater time to begin this partnership.
Homebush West Primary School have opened their arms (and mouths) to this program, and students
delivered healthy oral health messages with puppets, and performed oral health screening, nutritional
information, and fluoride varnish application to a record number of 213 children. The Homebush West
Primary School students are polite, enthusiastic, and asked some of the best questions, I personally
have ever experienced. The opportunity to promote oral health messages to children, some of whom
had never attended a dental clinic or had access to dental services, emphasises the need for oral
health care right here in Sydneys Western suburbs. As one student emailed that night It was really fun
and I'm so glad we got to see another side of oral health promotion. It makes me even more driven to
do what we do :) Thanks again! (R. Robosa).
The students from the University of Sydney found the experiences thus far to be invaluable in terms of
their growth and learning and are lined up to volunteer for the next Carevan Sun Smiles day. The
Carevan Sun Smiles Program is an incredible asset to socially disadvantaged Australian school
students and through its provision of services, is providing substantial support to assist Australias
National Oral Health Care Plan 2015-2024 (draft). I look forward to the continual involvement of myself
and from the students at The University of Sydney to support this worthy and most imaginary school
dental screening program currently available.
KAREN LANSDOWN BOH MEd (pictured on right)
Associate Lecturer, Bachelor of Oral Health, Faculty of Dentistry

THE UNIVERSITY OF SYDNEY
10 March 2015
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Since the successful initiative of the Carevan Sun Smiles program was
instigated, CSU students studying in the Bachelor of Oral Health and Bachelor
of Dental Science degree courses, have had an ongoing opportunity to
participate and learn about health promotion in school and community settings.
The dental courses started when Charles Sturt University commenced

investigations into the feasibility of establishing a dental program in 2004 in
response to concerns expressed by local dental practitioners and members of
the community about the shortage of dentists and oral health workers in inland
NSW. Government reports provided clear evidence that rural and regional
communities in NSW did not enjoy the same level of good oral health as other
Australian communities (Australian Institute of Health & Welfare Dental
Statistics and Research Unit, 2003; Australian Research Centre for Population
Oral Health, 2005). In May 2007, the Federal Government granted CSU a total
of $65.1 million to complete the program for a 2009 commencement.
The University has now established a cross-campus School of Dentistry and

Health Sciences with pre-clinical and clinical facilities in Orange and Wagga
Wagga and clinical education facilities in Albury, Bathurst and Dubbo. Charles Sturt University offers a 3 year
degree in oral health therapy (Bachelor of Oral Health in therapy/hygiene) from the Wagga Wagga campus and
from 2013 pre-clinical facilities were established in Holmesglen, Victoria.
The 5 year program in dental science (Bachelor of Dental Science) is based from the Orange campus. Clinical
facilities and teaching is offered from facilities with state of the art resources for dental education, with a range of
laboratories, lecture theatres, teaching facilities and clinical spaces. Students from both cohorts of the degrees,
rotate on clinical placements across the CSU clinical facilities. A depth of clinical experience is provided from the
wealth of established practitioners in these areas.
A focus on educating proficiency in up-to-date dental degrees must include knowledge about prevention and
promoting improved oral health outcome (Dyer & Robinson, 2006). The geographical placing of CSU facilities
provide opportunity to learn in rural and regional settings. While students are on placement in Thurgoona, the
opportunity for participation in Carevan activities in school and community health promotion initiatives provides
extremely valuable learning for students to gain competency in health promotion and disease prevention.
Helen Tne (pictured)
Head of Discipline, Bachelor of Oral Health
School Of Dentistry and Health Sciences
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Charles Sturt University Student Dental Association
(CSUSDA) and students
The Carevan Foundation and the CSUSDA have set up

a partnership in giving university students the opportunity
to volunteer their time in this community project. In 2013
we were honoured to receive the Wrigley Australian
Dental Association Foundation Community Service Grant
for our commitment in promoting oral health to primary
school children in regional and rural areas of New South
Wales and Victoria. This grant is designed to further
assist and support dentistry and oral health students to
participate in future primary school visits.
The CSUSDA was founded in 2010 and represents over

200 dental students studying dentistry at Charles Sturt
University. The SDA is a strong supporter of the
universities motto For the Public Good. Our vision and
goal is to bridge the gap in oral health education and
services for regional and rural communities in Australia.
As an association we advocate and strongly believe that
healthy mouths, make healthy lives.
The SDA is a strong supporter of the Sun Smiles program. The reason for this is because there is still a
huge gap in oral health education. Statistics show that by the age of 6, 50% of children will have tooth
decay. It is evident that the importance of oral health is undervalued and not even realized in todays
society by a large majority, and hence urgently needs to be addressed.
Jessica Zachar (pictured on the right)
President
CSU Student Dental Association
13th November 2013
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Sometimes as part of our employment within the dental sector we
get to do things that are extremely rewarding and that make us
proud to be part of all that is good in the world of dentistry and oral
health promotion. One such occasion was that of our recent trips
over two consecutive weeks to the Wodonga West Primary School
as part of the Carevan Sun Smiles Team. I had the pleasure of
joining the 3rd year students from Charles Sturt University Bachelor
of Oral Health program, along with other border region dental
professionals including our esteemed (and highly organised) team
leader Ms Cathryn Carboon, to participate in delivery of the core
messages and primary oral health interventions that form the basis
of this important and worthwhile health promotion and social
engagement project.
The concept of joining the children in their classrooms for

oral health education delivered by the CSU students gave the
children a chance to interact and ask questions. This proved a
winning strategy in terms of sparking interest in their oral health and
also for what may come later in this day of dental adventures. The accompanying power point
presentation engaged all age groups from prep to grades 5 & 6, as did the puppets with their toothy
smiles, the giant toothbrushes and mouth mirrors which allowed the school students to display some of
their own oral hygiene skills with the puppets as their patients Important information about the
relationship between diet, oral hygiene and the development of tooth decay were all painlessly
imparted to the children as they watched an informative power point of what might happen when all is
not well with their own tooth brushing habits. Then, the hero fluoride and its armour forming protection
was introduced to the children and they were told of how it would be applied to their teeth later that very
day so that they may all have the benefits of this tooth toughening cream for their teeth.
The practical session where the children attended for a basic dental screening and fluoride
application was another victory for the program. A previously unthinkable 100% compliance and
acceptance for fluoride application amongst those children whom had written parental/guardian consent
was achieved!! The screening, including a form indicating any treatment needs to be followed up was
also completed to be sent home for the parents information and action. All this was achieved in a
timely and organised manner, and with adherence and observance of OHS & infection control
standards. Sadly, a pre-screening questionnaire revealed that there are still children that have had little
if indeed any exposure at all to the dental environment. Therefore the benefits of such an intervention
cannot be overestimated. So too, the excitement and enthusiasm of the children when they received
their own package of oral hygiene products for their home use; some children commenting that they did
not have a tooth brush at home.
As health promotion interventions go this is one that can tick many boxes for the purists wishing to
evaluate outcomes this program is SMART. That it is Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant and
Timescale (a second visit is planned in 6 months), delivered to a group with high needs; and tools and
templates for evaluation have been developed is a testament to some very dedicated and caring
professionals with improved health outcomes as their primary goal.
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My final words of praise for this program, its core principles and its method of delivery and engagement
must go to Ms Carboon. Since my days as a student at La Trobe University I have long admired Ms
Carboon as a dedicated, accomplished and inclusive professional willing to give of her time and
knowledge. My experience of this program was no exception with Cathryn as the mastermind. The
seamless flow of the daily schedule form prepared power point presentations and puppet show to
neatly packaged take home bags for the children had a Cathryn Carboon handprint all over them. For
those of you whom have previously experienced that particular handprint on an intervention you know
that program success will most definitely ensue.
Alanna Glenn
BOHSc La Trobe University
2012 Clinical tutor Charles Sturt University (pictured with school students)
During my 15years in the dental industry, I have never been involved in a community volunteer
program that is so very rewarding and well organised. I would of course be talking about the Carevan
Sun Smiles dental program, run by the hard working and community focused Mrs Cathryn Carboon.
In my role as a Clinical Tutor with Charles Sturt University

Oral Health program, I feel it is a wonderful opportunity for
our 3rd year Bachelor of Oral Health students to work
alongside dental professionals such as Mrs Carboon and
Carevan founder Dr John Brabant. Their drive and passion
for oral health prevention provide excellent role models for
the BOH students, as are the wonderful children we get to
spend the day with, who inspire and motivate us all to see
the Sun Smiles program be the success it deserves to be!
I have had the pleasure of working in both a Victorian and

New South Wales school, where the Sun Smiles program
has been initiated. The effort that Mrs Carboon has poured
into this oral health program is paying off in the high consent
rate and positive feedback being received from parents,
students, and staff. I look forward to being involved in many
more Sun Smile days, and thank Mrs Carboon and Dr
Brabant for being such fantastic role models in community
oral health promotion.
Keri Calvert
Dip. Dental Hygiene (Otago) NZ
2013 2014 Clinical Tutor Charles Sturt University
(pictured)
29 | P a g e
As part of our 5th year clinical placement
studying the Bachelor of Dental Science at
Charles Sturt University, a group of students
were afforded the opportunity to assist in the
Carevan Foundations Sun Smiles Program.
Our brief was to head out to Wodonga-West
Primary School to promote oral health, provide
a dental screening service and topical fluoride
application to kids from prep to grade 6.
As I walked through the halls of Wodonga

West Primary School, I felt like a giant, (having
forgotten that obviously everything needs to be
proportionately smaller) and excited to get
these children thinking about and ultimately
motivated to improve and maintain their own oral health.
Aided with a well thought out and eye catching powerpoint presentation, the kids were fully engaged from the
start, as we began talking about the very basics of oral health, such as what plaque is, why it causes tooth decay,
recognizing tooth decay and why tooth decay is a real problem! It was clear that the best way to bolster their
enthusiasm and reinforce their knowledge was to ask them questions, and nearly every boy or girl in the room
had their hand up to answer a question at some point. Using a fluorescent plaque disclosing agent, the kids were
given the opportunity to see how well theyd brushed that morning, which was a fun, social and interactive way of
introducing the fundamental principles of oral health.
Following the presentations, a healthy morning tea courtesy of the Carevan was provided and those who had
parental permission slips were able to attend the screening. Set up with disposable mirrors, headlights and
fluoride, the dental students set to work seeing each child for up to 5 minutes. During the 5 minutes, we were able
to assess the general overall condition of the childs oral health, determine whether they required urgent dental
treatment or dental treatment within the year, and assess the growth and development of their facial skeleton and
dentition to determine any necessity for an orthodontic referral.
From a dental students perspective, it was fantastic to gain experience in assessing children in the mixed
dentition stage, taking into consideration their potential need for orthodontic treatment. More importantly however,
this program reinforced the importance of oral hygiene for those children who had adequate oral health, and
provided a mode of intervention and referral for those children suffering from decay.
For many of these children, this was their first interaction with oral health professionals. Thanks to the familiar
environment, non-invasive and friendly nature of the visit, I believe the experience for both the dental students
and primary school students was an overwhelmingly positive one. As I near the end of 5 years of study in
dentistry, I find it somewhat comforting to be reassured by this experience that the career path I have chosen is
the correct one. Spending time working with the Carevan Sun Smiles program was a joy, and I feel privileged to
have been given the opportunity to obtain the knowledge and skills necessary to provide this valued service to
children who will undoubtedly benefit in both the short and long term. Cathryn and the Sun Smiles team have
assuredly reinforced the altruistic nature that I believe should first and foremost surround all health professions.
The Sun Smiles program is a credit to all involved.
Alastair Norris, Charles Sturt University Bachelor of Dental Science 5th Year Student
(Pictured applying fluoride varnish to a school student)

30 | P a g e
As part of my 4th year clinical placement for the Bachelor of Dental
Science, I recently had the pleasure of being involved with the Carevan Sun
Smiles program, through the support of a Wrigley ADAF community grant.
This was well organised, interactive and fun. I spent my morning in the
classroom educating and promoting oral health to primary school children.
The afternoon involved completing dental screenings with the application of

a fluoride varnish. It was great to work with all age groups of primary school
children assessing their need for dental treatment and orthodontics. This
was a great experience and complimented my paediatric studies undertaken
as part of my course work.
This is a great initiative and program to reduce dental caries. It was

personally rewarding to be part of this prevention strategy teaching children
about home care, diet and generally healthy habits. I enjoyed my time with
the Carevan Sun Smiles program and encourage my fellow dental
colleagues to volunteer some of their time to this worthy cause.
Yvette Rainbow (pictured applying fluoride varnish to a Wodonga West school student)
Charles Sturt University Bachelor of Dental Science 4th Year Student
As part of the Bachelor of Oral Health Program I was privileged to

assist in the Sun Smiles Carevan program. This was the first
experience for me personally to visit a primary school and be part of a
community initiative; to educate children about the importance of oral
health and conduct dental screenings of children from kindergarten to
Year 6.
Walking into a primary school brought back memories to when I was

at school and how the role had changed from once being a young
child to now an educator. The use of a short video from Colgate about
oral health provided a good platform to have a discussion about oral
health and questions to ferment the key points of oral health. Using
puppets and also involving the children in tooth brushing
demonstrations allowed them to have input into their own learning.
The children were excited, willing to learn, some eager to share their knowledge about oral health. It was certainly evident of
the diversity of children displaying different characters and level of knowledge.
During the dental screening and fluoride application sessions, it was evident to me that many children had not been to a dental
clinic and were quite anxious about being touched inside their mouth. It was important to me to establish a trusting rapport
within the first couple of minutes and make the experience as pleasant as possible. This experience reinforced how important
it is to reach out into the community and educate children. The role and impact dental professionals have upon their future oral
health is enormous. Ensuring the key points of tooth brushing, use of fluoride and diet are instilled, will assist in decreasing
the risk factor for dental caries. It was a rewarding experience to share knowledge with the school children, with some
particularly grateful in receiving their own oral health bag.
I hope that this program can be implemented nationally, particularly in rural and remote areas where the intervention of
fluoride application can have a great impact on dental caries rates amongst children. This program has already made a
difference in the Wodonga community and is credit to Cathryn Carboon and the Sun Smiles team.
Nicole Mueller (Pictured applying fluoride varnish to a Wodonga West school student)
Charles Sturt University Bachelor Oral Health 3rd Year Student
31 | P a g e
I first started working with the Carevan Foundation
nearly 2 years ago when they introduced the Sun Smiles
program at Wodonga West Primary School. The
program is run bi-annually usually at 6 monthly intervals.
The Sun Smiles team usually consists of students from
Charles Sturt University dental and oral health clinic,
program manager, admin support, and helpers to make
the day flow.
The program involves, a presentation usually delivered

with a power point, verbally reinforced, with question
time following. The students are informed on correct oral
hygiene techniques, health eating habits and a briefing
on the afternoons fluoride application session. This is
set informally, within the classroom, with the audio
visual, and puppets and tooth models provide tools to
engage the students. It has always been an extremely
positive program and the students thrive when the Sun
Smiles team are in their school. Especially when Dr
Rabbit visits!
The Carevan is set up to provide a milk drink and fruit

/cheese snack to the children before the afternoon
session. The students from Wodonga West Primary
School receive a preliminary screening, a goody bag,
fluoride application and for some, their first and only
exposure to dental personnel.
The students from CSU Dental and Oral Health Clinic are provided with this great opportunity to provide a service
within this unique setting.
I have personally been moved by the unique nature of how this provides both teaching and learning knowledge to
the CSU dental and oral health students and equally the positive reinforcements and messages that the young
primary students are left with.
I have been fortunate enough to volunteer with the Carevan Sun Smiles on their Midnight Basketball evening.
The Carevan program picks up the youth, from various locations within Albury/Wodonga. They are fed home
cooked mealswhich otherwise they might not eat. They are encouraged to attend the clinics before
embarking on a round robin style basketball evening. They are dropped back home by the Carevan at the end of
the evening. This evening provided me with the opportunity to deliver oral hygiene messages including oral
hygiene instructions, health eating advice and general discussions within a team environment to inform the most
vulnerable youth of our society.
I have been currently studying a Certificate in Oral Health Promotion, and this program has reinforced to me how
really important the impact of preventive oral health is.
Jill Kohne (pictured with Wodonga West primary school student)
Dental Assistant
32 | P a g e
Wodonga West Primary School has been
fortunate to be the first school in the
nation to partner with the Carevan to
deliver the innovative Sun Smiles
Program, thanks to funding provided by
community grants and the services of Oral
Health Therapy students from Charles
Sturt University, Albury. We are aiming to
put healthy smiles on the faces of all our
students and to help prevent poor oral
health that potentially leads to
absenteeism, lack of self-esteem and
chronic health issues later in life.
The program is designed to teach students good tooth brushing skills, utilising highly engaging puppets
and to inform students about dental care and hygiene. In addition, around three quarters of our school
students participated in having a free fluoride varnish treatment applied to their teeth, a treatment that
will be repeated every 6 months. We are confident that these regular fluoride treatments will
significantly reduce the incidence of tooth decay by up to 36 %.
The Carevan Sun Smiles program generously provided a tooth healthy snack and drink to our
students, as well as a toothbrushes, toothpaste and the fluoride varnish, donated by Colgate. This was
a real team effort and all parties involved in this partnership reported that the potential for this program
to be rolled out nationwide is an exciting opportunity for our communities.
Our students were very positive about the entire program and commented on how fantastic it was to
have this treatment happen within their school environment, rather than on a trip to the dentist. This
also gave the Bachelor of Oral Health students from Uni the chance to give each student an oral health
check. In return, the University students gained experience in working with a diverse range of students
in an engaging and positive way a win/win for all concerned. We have indeed been fortunate to host
the launch of this exciting program at our school and welcome the opportunity to expand this further
into the future and put a Sun Smile on every face.
Wodonga West Primary School would highly recommend this program as an authentic experience to
educate the community and promote healthy smiles leading to healthier communities.
Jocelyn Owen. Wodonga West Primary School Principal
(Pictured with school students)
33 | P a g e
Glenroy Public School proudly hosted the
Carevan Sun Smiles team recently as they
provided nearly all of our students from
Kindergarten to Year 6 with an impressive
oral health care program in the most
engaging and thoughtful manner. Our
students listened in awe to Charles Sturt
University Bachelor of Oral Health students
deliver the important messages of good oral
health in an interesting and clever way. This
was followed by the Carevan offering
fabulous tasting fruit and cheese snacks to all our students along with a milk drink, while meeting and
interacting with the cute and cuddly life size Carevan Bear (an instant hit). Having then created such a
good rapport, in the afternoon the CSU students strategically and methodically checked all students
oral health, in a safe and calm manner, without any trepidation or tears noted!
The program is excellent on several levels. Firstly, it immediately engages the students and teaches
them about good oral health. Secondly, it demystifies the once feared dentist visit and thirdly, it offers
a free and much needed preventive dental service to all of our school families.
On this day we were fortunate to also enjoy the Bright Eyes program, also funded by community
grants and Carevan. 100% of our Year One students received an eye check from Kelly Gibbons, a
volunteer optometrist and her optical dispensing assistant Lauren. Written reports were provided to
families as to whether their childs eyes may require further testing, of which 20% in fact did. What a
difference that information could make to a childs learning capabilities! Again, this was a free service
for all our families.
Not to be ignored is the indirect effect that this voluntary service has on our students as they are
working towards becoming purposeful, kind and caring young citizens and leaders of the future. They
can clearly see that helping one another in our community is a worthwhile and positive experience.
They may indeed choose to one day join the Carevan team to support others in their community.
As Principal of Glenroy Public School I fully endorse and recommend the Carevan Sun Smiles Program
and the wonderful and positive impact it has had on our school community.
John Dent
Glenroy Public School Principal (pictured with school student)
May 2014
34 | P a g e
Endorsement from the school teachers and
primary school students
The Carevans provision of fruit, cheese and milk

is wonderful for children to experience good
food rather than mass produced packet food that
most of them now eat!!!
The dental team members are all happy and
helpful and have the ability to actively
communicate with Year 1 /2 students. The age
appropriate DVD was a great way to impress the
message to children regarding dental hygiene
and Dr Rabbit added a cute value to the
session.
Grade 1/2 Primary School Teacher
Wodonga West Primary School Sun Smiles Program 13th August 2013
The Sun Smiles Carevan program was a very memorable one for me. I learnt how to brush my teeth
the proper way and the importance of it.
I think the quality of the program was very good and I liked how the professionals and trainees were
there to clean our teeth. I also liked how they provided us with a gift bag for healthy teeth, a hot milo, a
cheese platter and a fruit platter which was very nice of them.
I think that the value of the Sun Smiles Carevan program is very important to our community because it
helps promote healthy teeth and the importance of caring for your teeth.
By Kira Brigham.
Wodonga West Grade 6 Primary School Student
When the dentists came I was a little nervous because I didnt

know any of them, but as I got to know them I found that they were
very nice.
I enjoyed using the puppets to entertain the kids before they had
their teeth done. My favourite puppet was a big clown fish. When
the kids came in we would pick someone to call out their favourite
song and if we knew it we would sing it. We made up a story about
Elmo lost all his teeth. It was because he never brushed them.
I learnt that fluoride is something that is in toothpaste and even
water. It stops decay from forming on your teeth. Sometimes if you
dont brush your teeth your gums will rise and that is called gum
disease.
By Leah Hasler. (pictured)

Wodonga West Grade 6 Primary School Student
35 | P a g e
Endorsements from Albury Wodonga parents
Great program and teaching tool for kids. Parents cant always
get the message of oral care across to children and with this
program they can learn first-hand from professionals.
Parent at Wodonga West Primary School, VIC
Kids loved the take home showbag and puppets. Great

program and would love it to continue.
Parent at Wodonga West Primary School, VIC
Tobee totally enjoyed his experience. He couldnt shut up about

his own toothbrush and toothpaste, it was quite funny. Thanks
for putting a smile on his face.
Parent at Glenroy Public School, NSW
Glenroy Public School Sun Smiles Program October 2013
An extremely worthwhile program that my child enjoyed

participating in. It led to a pleasing discussion about oral health care.
My daughter had a wonderful day and is very inspired to have clean healthy teeth. I think this program
is a fantastic idea.
36 | P a g e
Endorsements from Homebush West parents
10th March 2015
My child enjoyed the whole experience. She

would like to see the Sun Smiles staff come back
again and visit her. She particularly liked the little
mirror from the gift bag. Thank-you!
My son came home talking about how much he

learned today. Even though Ive told him what he
needs to do before he went to you today. Hes
very keen to listen to what you say. So thank-you.
My son was very happy with the showbag and

started to brush properly as shown on the day.
Very effective program, thanks.
She has learnt that rinsing after you brush your teeth is not the right way and she has learned
about more strategies for brushing her teeth, so I think the Sun Smiles program helped a lot.
We both are glad that we learnt the right way to brush teeth because of Sun Smiles.
Fantastic program, please continue at

Homebush West Public School.
He enjoyed the experience and it

motivated him to take better care of his
teeth.
My son is very happy about your program

at his school. He was brushing his teeth
very good.
She was so excited. She got a drink, fruit

and vegetables, cheese etc. She loved it.
37 | P a g e
38 | P a g e
Congratulations to all volunteers of the Sun Smiles program
including Charles Sturt University (CSU) dentistry and BOH
students, the CSU academic faculty, clinical supervisors and CSU
staff including dental assistants.
Not only has this valuable initiative already helped over 400 primary
school children from both Wodonga West and Glenroy Primary
Schools it has recently been highlighted as best practice by the
National SARRAH (Services for Australian Rural and Remote Allied
Health) Summit, held at Parliament House in November 2013.
Wrigley Company Foundation is extremely proud to have supported

the program in 2013 by awarding a USD$6,000 Community Service
Grant to the volunteers, including oral health therapy and dental
students at Charles Sturt University (CSU) who help roll-out the Sun Smiles program, in partnership
with The Carevan Foundation.
This vital community initiative aims to improve access to preventative dental care for disadvantaged
primary school children in rural regions by providing school fluoride varnish programs, dental screening
and oral health education.
Not only is the program beneficial to local primary school children, feedback shows 100 per cent of
CSU students found the Sun Smiles program increased their ability to carry out oral health promotion
activities. This feedback is a strong testimonial to how the program enriches students clinical
placement experience and introduces them to the value of social responsibility within dental care. We
are passionate about playing a role in inspiring the next generation of dental professionals around
preventive dental programs in rural Australia.
As part of Mars Incorporated, which also includes the Mars Petcare and Food segments, we have a
rich history of giving back to communities. And so while, Wrigley Pacific is located in Sydney, we are
particularly proud to support a community oral care program close to our Petcare headquarters in
Wodonga.
Our segment philanthropic arm, the Wrigley Company Foundation, was established in 1987 and this
year together with the Australian Dental Association Foundation (ADAF) we have awarded a total 13
grants across Australia to valuable volunteer dental programs. The grants provide much needed
funding to volunteer dentists, dentistry students and teams of dental professionals, helping improve the
oral health of some of Australias most deprived communities.
Effective partnerships continue to drive the success of the Community Service Grant program from the
alliance between the Wrigley Company Foundation and the ADAF to our collaboration with the hard
working dentists and dental student grantees such as those involved in the Sun Smiles program from
Charles Sturt University.
Were proud of all their achievements and the positive impact their programs continue to have on
disadvantaged communities. Congratulations again to all volunteers. We hope the Sun Smiles program
continues to grow from strength to strength.
Sophie Hughes (pictured)

Senior Corporate Affairs Manager, Wrigley Pacific 2013
39 | P a g e
Colgate-Palmolive is a company that has supported the
dental and oral health profession in the improvement of
oral health in Australian communities for decades.
Colgate is committed to the provision of oral health
education in pre-schools and schools through the Bright
Smiles Bright Futures program which was established in
Australia in 1997. This program has reached 6 million
children and their parents in the region to date and is
freely available to Pre-K and Year 2-4 classes. Materials
from the Bright Smiles, Bright Futures program have
been utilised through the Sun Smiles program, with
guest appearances from the mascot of this program, Dr
Rabbit (pictured).
Over the last 6 years Colgate has also supplied 100,000

brushes and paste per year to community oral health
promotion projects in high need areas through the South
Pacific Child Oral Health Taskforce. Some of the
programs that these products support include tooth-
brushing in remote area schools and oral hygiene
instruction with refugee and new immigrant populations.
It is through the Taskforce, that Colgate has been able
to provide ongoing support for the Carevan Sun Smiles
program.
The use of bi-annual fluoride varnish applications has been clinically proven to reduce dental caries in
children. The combination of fluoride varnish application together with oral health promotion, dental
screening and referral is a positive implementation strategy which we applaud.
Colgate has been very happy to provide assistance to the Carevan team and sees this initiative as a
great way to provide a service to children who would otherwise not receive this excellent preventive
care. The Carevan team are to be congratulated on their hard work, dedication and great results so far.
We look forward to an on-going productive partnership in the area of oral health promotion.
Our thanks and good wishes go to Dr Brabant, Cathryn Carboon and all of those involved in the project.
Dr Sue Cartwright
Scientific Affairs Manager, Colgate Oral Care
Ms Lenore Tuckerman
Public Health Consultant, Colgate Oral Care
40 | P a g e
2014-2015 Media Releases
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44 | P a g e
Professional, Community and Corporate Support & Sponsorship 2012 - 2016:
Australian Dental Association Foundation

Australian Dental Association (NSW Branch & Riverina Branch)
Wrigley Company Foundation
Royal Australasian College of Dental Surgeons
Dental Hygienists Association of Australia
South Pacific Global Child Dental Health Taskforce
Border Dental Study Group
The Rotary Club of Albury Foundation (pictured below with Cathryn Carboon)
Westpac Bank
Commonwealth Bank
Peter Donnelley
Craig Laundy MP, Federal Member for Reid
Invisalign Australia
Colgate Oral Care
TrollDental
Dentalife
Horseley Dental Supplies
Adam Dental Supplies
AB Orthodontics
45 | P a g e
Sun Smiles Program Manager:
Cathryn Carboon Assoc Dip Dental Hygiene; Grad Cert Health Promotion (pictured above)
Email: cathcarboon@bigpond.com Phone: 03 57214451 or 0458 580713
Carevan Founder and Sun Smiles clinical team leader:
Dr John Brabant Bachelor of Dental Surgery (Honours), Master of Dental Science (Orthodontics),
MRACDS (pictured above)
Email: jbr74360@bigpond.net.au Phone: 0417 240114
Sun Smiles clinical team leader:
Dr Robert Smith Bachelor of Dental Surgery (Honours), Master of Dental Science (Orthodontics),
MRACDS
Website: www.carevan.com.au
46 | P a g e

Carevan Sun Smiles Program Booklet February 2016

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Tooth decay has a profound impact on a childs quality of life.

Access to preventive dental care is a major issue.

Inaugural Carevan Sun Smiles Team 2012

2) Nutrition: Engaging children in healthy eating choices and encouraging

3) Fluoride Varnish: Professionally applied bi-annual Colgate Duraphat 5%

4) Dental Referral Pathway: Dental screening and establishment of dental

Nutritious fruit and vegetable platters, milk drinks,

Carevan Cookie Bear and Colgate BSBF Dr Brushwell

Carevan Hot Soup Day June 2014

Colgate Oral Care Brigade Recycling Program 2015

Sun Smiles visit by La Trobe University students October 2014

A hot, nutritious dinner supplied by the Carevan,

Dental screening session at Glenroy Public School, NSW

Cathryn Carboon, dental hygienist, is the Sun Smiles program manager.

Simon Watts, Senior Manager for NSW Volunteering

Office of Communities, Department of Education and Communities

NSW Minister for Citizenship and Communities Victor Dominello MP (left)

In partnership with The University of Sydney, Faculty of Dentistry.

Congratulations to Dr John Brabant and Cathryn

Federal Member for Reid

Federal Member for Indi

16th December 2013

Cathy McGowan with Wangaratta Primary School students

Not only are their smiles from the student and

KAREN LANSDOWN BOH MEd (pictured on right)

Associate Lecturer, Bachelor of Oral Health, Faculty of Dentistry

The dental courses started when Charles Sturt University commenced

The University has now established a cross-campus School of Dentistry and

Helen Tne (pictured)

Head of Discipline, Bachelor of Oral Health

School Of Dentistry and Health Sciences

The Carevan Foundation and the CSUSDA have set up

The CSUSDA was founded in 2010 and represents over

Jessica Zachar (pictured on the right)

The concept of joining the children in their classrooms for

BOHSc La Trobe University

In my role as a Clinical Tutor with Charles Sturt University

I have had the pleasure of working in both a Victorian and

As I walked through the halls of Wodonga

(Pictured applying fluoride varnish to a school student)

The afternoon involved completing dental screenings with the application of

This is a great initiative and program to reduce dental caries. It was

Charles Sturt University Bachelor of Dental Science 4th Year Student

As part of the Bachelor of Oral Health Program I was privileged to

Walking into a primary school brought back memories to when I was

Charles Sturt University Bachelor Oral Health 3rd Year Student

The program involves, a presentation usually delivered

The Carevan is set up to provide a milk drink and fruit

Jill Kohne (pictured with Wodonga West primary school student)

Jocelyn Owen. Wodonga West Primary School Principal

(Pictured with school students)

Glenroy Public School Principal (pictured with school student)

The Carevans provision of fruit, cheese and milk

When the dentists came I was a little nervous because I didnt

By Leah Hasler. (pictured)

Kids loved the take home showbag and puppets. Great

Tobee totally enjoyed his experience. He couldnt shut up about

An extremely worthwhile program that my child enjoyed

My child enjoyed the whole experience. She

My son came home talking about how much he

My son was very happy with the showbag and

Fantastic program, please continue at

He enjoyed the experience and it