Delta Dental program brings oral health lessons to thousands of S.C. children

More than 8,000 South Carolina children are learning essential oral health habits this fall through Delta Dental of South Carolina’s Land of Smiles program, which has expanded to include preschool-aged students.

The free, interactive dental education program now serves children from preschool through third grade through both in-person and virtual performances. Students at College Park Elementary School in Ladson were among those who recently participated.

Tooth decay remains the most common chronic disease among young children, affecting nearly one in four children ages 2 to 5, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. Delta Dental officials say introducing healthy habits early can help reduce long-term oral health problems.

The Land of Smiles program features superhero Captain Super Grin and her sidekicks as they battle the villain Caz CavitySM. Through the performance, students learn the importance of brushing twice daily, flossing, using mouthwash, eating healthy foods and visiting the dentist regularly.

The program includes an oral health curriculum aligned with national and South Carolina health education standards and provides age-appropriate materials in both English and Spanish. Participating students also receive free “smile bags” containing a toothbrush, toothpaste and dental floss.

“Establishing essential oral health habits early on lays the foundation for lifelong healthy smiles – and this program plays a meaningful role in supporting that outcome,” said Stacy Harris, community impact program manager for Delta Dental of South Carolina.

Since launching in 2014, the Land of Smiles program has reached more than 360,000 kindergarten through third-grade students in 44 South Carolina counties. Program surveys show significant improvements in students’ oral health knowledge and behaviors following performances. The recent expansion allows that impact to reach even younger learners.

Elementary educators may request an in-person or virtual performance by emailing [email protected] or visiting www.landofsmilesprogram.org. Preschool directors can access the virtual early childhood program through the same website by selecting South Carolina and the Early Childhood Program option.

Delta Dental of South Carolina operates as a trade name of Delta Dental of Missouri, a nonprofit organization that provides dental and vision benefits while supporting oral health education and charitable initiatives statewide.