Stoddard youth get dental health education

Students at Bell City Elementary School, Southwest Elementary School and Richland Elementary School recently received dental education to teach third grade students essential oral health habits.

With tooth decay remaining the leading chronic disease affecting children1 and 29% of Missouri third graders having untreated cavities, establishing essential oral health habits at an early age has never been more vital, according to a press release from Delta Dental of Missouri.

Delta Dental is tackling this issue through its popular Land of Smiles® dental education program.

“Students show an average of 34% improvement in good oral health behavior and knowledge after seeing a performance, according to our pre- and post-show survey results,” said Stacy Harris, supervisor of community outreach at Delta Dental of Missouri. “This is a very positive outcome as good dental habits developed at a young age lead to lifelong healthy smiles.”

Since 2002, this free, interactive program — featuring superhero Captain Super Grin® and his sidekicks — has impacted 1.2 million kids across 113 Missouri counties through in-person and virtual elementary school performances.

This winter and spring, an additional 30,000 kids at 150 schools statewide will participate, including those in Stoddard County.

The Land of Smiles® experience follows Captain Super Grin® as he defeats his nemesis, Caz CavitySM, with help from Terri Tooth FairySM and ToothpickSM. Students learn the importance of brushing teeth twice a day, flossing, using mouthwash, eating healthy foods and visiting the dentist regularly. The program includes an oral health curriculum that adheres to National and Missouri Health Education Standards, and offers engaging, age-appropriate materials in English and Spanish. In addition, participating students receive free “smile bags” with a toothbrush, toothpaste and dental floss. Caregivers can also access an important educational program recap video at https://www.landofsmilesmo.org/parent-caregiver-information.

Offered at no cost by Delta Dental of Missouri, the program reaches many high-need schools, where more than 40% have at least 70% of students enrolled in free and reduced lunch programs. Educators can request an in-person or virtual show by emailing Schools@NationalTheatre.com or visiting www.LandofSmilesMO.org.