Land of Smiles concludes countywide visits, promoting healthy oral habits and brightening students’ smiles across Jersey County
This week, Delta Dental of Illinois Foundation’s Land of Smiles visited Jerseyville West Elementary School, reaching 265 pre-kindergarten through third grade students. Land of Smiles is a free interactive program that makes learning about oral hygiene, nutrition, and regular dental checkups fun and engaging. Featuring characters like Captain Super Grin, Terri Tooth Fairy, Toothpick, and their playful nemesis, Caz Cavity, Land of Smiles captivates young audiences while teaching them how to keep their smiles healthy and cavity-free.
Tooth decay remains the leading chronic disease affecting children. Research shows that 22% of Illinois third graders have untreated tooth decay.1 In a steadfast effort to address and curb tooth decay among children, Delta Dental of Illinois Foundation’s free Land of Smiles program visits Illinois elementary schools throughout the school year.
This spring, Land of Smiles is reaching more than 29,421 students at 138 schools. Every student in attendance receives a free oral health kit with a toothbrush, toothpaste, and floss, along with oral health tips outlining how students should care for their teeth.
The Land of Smiles program is a testament to Delta Dental of Illinois’ commitment to improving the oral health of young Illinoisans. Over the past 17 years, the program has reached over 677,477 students at more than 1,096 Illinois elementary schools.
To learn more about the Land of Smiles program, download oral health educational resources, or request a school program, visit landofsmilesil.org.
■ About Delta Dental of Illinois Foundation
The Delta Dental of Illinois Foundation was formed in March 2008 by Delta Dental of Illinois, a not-for-profit dental service corporation with a mission to improve the oral health of the communities it serves. Delta Dental of Illinois Foundation is the 501(c)(3) charitable arm of Delta Dental of Illinois and works to support and improve the oral health of people in Illinois. In the past decade, combined efforts of Delta Dental of Illinois and Delta Dental of Illinois Foundation have provided more than $32 million to programs and organizations in Illinois that improve the oral health of 1.2 million Illinois residents.
