October 25, 2023 -Delta Dental of Illinois visited Baum Elementary School and Montessori Academy for Peace Wed to teach kids important oral health skills with its Land of Smiles program.
Land of Smiles is an educational theater program featuring a blend of entertainment and crucial oral health lessons. Characters such as Captain Super Grin, Caz Cavity, Terry Tooth Fairy, and Toothpick instruct children on proper brushing and flossing techniques, the benefits of a healthy diet, and the significance of regular dental visits.
Every student received a kit with a free toothbrush, toothpaste, and floss, along with bilingual oral health tips outlining how students should care for their teeth.
Delta Dental of Illinois Foundation partners with school administrators and nurses to bring the free Land of Smiles program to Illinois elementary schools each spring and fall. The program has reached 524,078 students at 983 Illinois elementary schools over the past 13 years. This fall, it is reaching 24,674 pre-kindergarten through third-grade students in 119 Illinois schools.
An alarming 20% of Illinois children aged 5-11 have at least one untreated decayed tooth. Low-income families face twice the risk of cavities, leading to over 51 million lost school hours annually nationwide.
