Gilbert, SC Rides the Wave of Healthy Smiles
Hey there, Gilbert! Have you heard the exciting news? This fall, Delta Dental of South Carolina is bringing their Land of Smiles® dental education program right to our community! That’s right, the fantastic superhero cast is making their rounds, aiming to teach over 8,500 children about the wonderful world of dental health. How cool is that?
A Superhero Adventure
The Land of Smiles® experience follows the heroic journey of Captain Super Grin®, who battles the villainous Caz CavitySM with the help of his trusty sidekicks, Terri Tooth FairySM and ToothpickSM. Together, they’re on a mission to help kids learn about the importance of taking care of their teeth. Just this past week, they touched the hearts and minds of nearly 950 students from Gilbert Elementary School, Congaree Elementary in West Columbia, and Seven Oaks Elementary in Columbia, teaching them valuable lessons about their pearly whites.
During the engaging performances, the superheroes encouraged our little ones to brush their teeth twice a day, floss regularly, use mouthwash, munch on healthy snacks, and most importantly, visit their friendly dentists regularly. With catchy songs and interactive skits, the children learned essential habits while having a blast!
Data That Speaks Volumes
And here’s a fun fact: post-show surveys reveal that students show an amazing average of 34% improvement in their dental health behaviors and knowledge after just one performance. It’s like magic, but it’s really just good health education!
Providing Valuable Tools
Delta Dental hasn’t stopped there! They also distribute “smile bags” filled with a toothbrush, toothpaste, and dental floss to every participating student. This helps reinforce the good habits they learn in the show. They’ve truly thought of everything!
Plus, if you’re a parent or caregiver, you can find a short recap video highlighting the important oral health tips shared during the program by visiting their dedicated webpage and navigating to the South Carolina section. How helpful is that?
Making Smiles since 2014
The Land of Smiles® program has been delighting and educating children since its launch in 2014. Over the years, it has reached more than 340,000 children across 44 counties in South Carolina, with over 1,200 in-person and virtual performances. Remarkably, over 60% of schools involved serve a student population where over 70% are enrolled in the free and reduced lunch program, making this initiative not just entertaining, but also inclusive and accessible for all.
Join the Movement!
The fun doesn’t end here! Local educators, including teachers, school nurses, and principals, are encouraged to reach out at Schools@NationalTheatre.com to bring this vibrant program to their schools for the 2024 academic year. There’s also an online version available, perfect for those who prefer a virtual experience.
In a world where healthy habits can easily be overlooked, it’s fantastic to see an initiative like the Land of Smiles® step up to the plate and make a positive impact on our community’s children. So let’s cheer on our little ones as they embark on this journey towards healthy, shining smiles!
Your Amazing Smile Awaits!
Stay tuned, Gilbert and surrounding areas! With superhero smiles on our side, there’s no stopping our kids from having the happiest, healthiest smiles imaginable!
