Land of Smiles: Recap for the 2016-17 School Year

Posted on March 31, 2017 in In the Community

“Land of Smiles,” one of Delta Dental of Illinois Foundation's signature programs,  the importance of maintaining good oral health habits through an interactive and educational show. Today marks the last show of the 2016-17 school year for this highly entertaining program.  During the 2016-17 school year, the “Land of Smiles” program visited nearly 165 Illinois elementary schools, reaching about 38,000 pre-kindergarten through third-grade students. The program has reached over 290,000 students at more than 750 Illinois schools in the past 10 years.

In the Land of Smiles program, Tooth Wizard and his arch nemesis PlaqueMan visit Illinois elementary schools to interactively teach the value and practice of brushing, flossing, and rinsing with mouthwash. The two costumed characters demonstrate the correct way to brush and floss teeth using an oversized mouth. They also discuss how sealants work, educate students about good and bad foods for teeth and emphasize the importance of visiting the dentist twice a year.

Each child receives a “Land of Smiles” goodie bag containing a toothbrush, toothpaste, floss and a sheet of oral health tips explaining how to take care of their teeth and help reinforce good oral health habits with the students throughout their lifetimes.

“'Land of Smiles' furthers our mission to improve the oral health of Illinois children by getting them excited to take care of their teeth,” said Lora Vitek, director of philanthropy and community relations for the Delta Dental of Illinois Foundation. “The program helps us educate kids about the importance of good oral health habits at an early age, so they can make positive changes to their daily routines and get started on a path to a lifetime of healthy smiles.”

To request an appearance at your school or to make a donation to the Delta Dental of Illinois Foundation, visit www.landofsmilesil.org.