Free dental check-ups for Playford’s under-18s will be available in the first week of school holidays, perfect for anyone currently putting off their six-monthly appointment.

The Australian Dental Foundation (ADFi) will have their mobile dual-surgery clinic ‘Clarrie’ parked at the Elizabeth Shopping Centre, near the Target entrance, from Monday 30 September to Friday 4 October.

All under-18s will receive a free checkup, and most children can also receive treatments at no out-of-pocket cost. Adult patients will be seen under a fixed fee schedule.

Mayor Glenn Docherty said the scheme provided a convenient and cost friendly option for young people to keep on top of their dental health.

“We’re so pleased to have ‘Clarrie’ return to Playford to promote dental health in our community in such an effective way,” said the Mayor. “If a child has not seen the dentist for six months or if there are any concerns, they should attend.”

“Many people, including children, feel anxious about visiting the dentist and as more time passes since your last check-up, it can become even more daunting. However, I encourage everyone to take advantage of this scheme."

ADFi chairman Dr Greg Miller said the foundation's mission was to eliminate tooth decay one tooth at a time and the foundation had just clocked up its 100,000th patient.

"Taking dental services to the community is the best way to provide preventative treatments and oral health education to children, young people and their families," Dr Miller said.

"Dental issues are the leading preventable cause of hospitalisation for children in South Australia. In fact, SA has the worst record of any state in Australia for children being admitted to hospital for dental problems that could have been avoided.

“Our mission is to eliminate tooth decay, and the best way to do that is to get out and treat and educate as many children and people as we can."

The clinic will take walk-ins but patients are encouraged to book ahead to get a time that suits them.

Please book at this link or phone their national line on 7226 1709 for more details.