Delta Dental’s Land of Smiles® Program Supports Oral Health for 20,000 Kids

News Summary

Delta Dental of South Carolina is expanding its Land of Smiles® program to provide oral health education to over 20,000 students across more than 75 schools. This initiative, launched in 2014, aims to address the high rates of tooth decay among children, teaching them about good dental hygiene through engaging performances and characters like Captain Super Grin®. Each child will receive a ‘smile bag’ with dental care supplies. The program emphasizes the importance of healthy habits and reaches high-need schools at no cost.

Delta Dental’s Land of Smiles® Program Brings Oral Health Education to Over 20,000 Kids in South Carolina

In the beautiful state of South Carolina, dental health is making waves! Did you know that tooth decay is the most common chronic disease affecting children here? It’s true! Almost 20% of young students in kindergarten through third grade have untreated cavities, which can lead to some serious health concerns down the line. That’s why Delta Dental of South Carolina is stepping in with a super exciting initiative called the Land of Smiles® program.

Building Healthy Habits from the Start

Establishing good oral health habits right from childhood is key. The Land of Smiles® program is dedicated to teaching kids the importance of taking care of their teeth. Launched back in 2014, this program has had a big impact, reaching around 340,000 children across 44 counties in South Carolina—wow!

Growing Bigger Than Ever

This winter and spring, things are about to get even bigger! The program is expanding to over 20,000 additional students at more than 75 schools, which means that countless kids will get the chance to learn valuable lessons about their dental health. Schools like Sandhills Elementary School in Swansea, Saluda River Academy for the Arts, and East Point Academy Elementary School Campus in West Columbia are among those participating in this fantastic initiative.

Meet Captain Super Grin®

The educational experience features an engaging character known as Captain Super Grin® who battles the villainous Caz CavitySM with the help of his trusty allies Terri Tooth FairySM and ToothpickSM. Kids will love watching the fun performances while they learn why it’s essential to brush their teeth twice a day, floss regularly, and use mouthwash. Plus, they’ll discover how healthy eating and routine dental visits make a gigantic difference in their oral health!

Full of Fun and Learning

These performances are not just entertaining; they’re educational too! The program aligns with both National and South Carolina Health Education Standards. To reach even more children, bilingual materials are provided, ensuring that everyone gets to join in the fun. After participating in the program, students typically show an impressive 34% improvement in their oral health behaviors and knowledge. How great is that?

Free Smile Bags for a Brighter Future

As if that weren’t enough, every child who takes part in the Land of Smiles® program also receives a free “smile bag”! These special bags are filled with a toothbrush, toothpaste, and dental floss, so kids can start practicing their new skills right away. And for caregivers who want to stay in the loop, there’s an educational recap video available on the program’s website.

Helping Those in Need

The Land of Smiles® initiative is particularly beneficial for high-need schools where many students qualify for free or reduced lunch programs. Even better, this awesome program is offered at no cost to schools! Educators interested in bringing the program to their students can easily request in-person or virtual shows just by reaching out via email or navigating through the website.

Supporting Healthy Smiles for All

As the Land of Smiles® program continues to grow, it’s an exciting time for oral health education in South Carolina. By teaching children the importance of maintaining their dental hygiene, we can pave the way for healthier smiles and a brighter future. Thanks to the fantastic efforts of Delta Dental and their wonderful team, South Carolina’s kids are learning to take charge of their health one fun lesson at a time!

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Additional Resources

• Post and Courier: Charles Millwood Obituary
• Wikipedia: Oral Health
• WIS TV: Talkin’ Trash Tuesday
• Google Search: Delta Dental South Carolina
• Lexington Chronicle: Officials Salaries
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Dental Health
• Columbia Star: Eau Claire Cooperative Health Center
• Google News: Oral Health Education South Carolina
• Legacy: Thomas Hallman Obituary
• Google Scholar: Child Oral Health Education