REGISTRATION OPEN FOR SCHOOLS INTERESTED IN
DELTA DENTAL OF MISSOURI’S
FREE VIRTUAL LAND OF SMILES® PROGRAM
Fall Program Features 15-Minute Video Format with New Classroom Curriculum Coming Soon 

ST. LOUIS, Mo. (Oct. 4, 2021) … Delta Dental of Missouri’s Land of Smiles® program, known for reaching hundreds of elementary schools throughout Missouri each year to teach grade-school children good dental health habits, is now available in a 15-minute virtual video format. Teachers, school nurses and principals interested in gaining access to the free online program on a date and time that works for their students can visit www.LandofSmilesMO.org.

The virtual Land of Smiles® experience follows dynamic superhero Captain Super Grin?, as he defeats his nemesis, Caz Cavity?, with a little help from his sidekicks, Terri Tooth Fairy? and Toothpick?. Throughout the adventure, students learn the importance of brushing teeth twice a day, flossing, eating healthy foods and visiting the dentist regularly. 

The Land of Smiles® program will also include newly updated oral health curriculum that corresponds with the virtual experience, making learning about dental health even more fun for kids. The new program curriculum, available to schools in late October, adheres to National Health Education Standards, as well as health education standards specifically for Missouri. The Grades K-2 curriculum features three lessons that can be taught as a unit or single lesson, classroom activities, coloring sheets, a daily brushing and flossing chart and take-home educational materials. The Grade 3 curriculum has many of the same features but in an advanced format, as well as two science experiments to demonstrate how cavities are formed and the importance of fluoride for strong teeth.

Delta Dental of Missouri also offers free “smile bags” to schools for students who participate in the program. Each bag includes a toothbrush, toothpaste and dental floss to help students practice the good oral health habits they learn. Each school is responsible for distributing the bags to participating students who attend school in person or virtually.

Delta Dental of Missouri launched its innovative virtual program in September 2020. Since then, more than 71,000 students from 344 schools in 85 Missouri counties have participated in the engaging, age-appropriate online program either in the classroom or through partial or full-time virtual learning. Those interested in learning more or scheduling the program can visit www.LandofSmilesMO.org.

Delta Dental of Missouri is the state’s leading dental benefits provider and a 501(c)(4) non-profit organization. It provides more than 2.1 million members with access to affordable, high-quality dental care through group plans tailored to meet the needs of organizations of all sizes, from large corporations to small businesses with two or more employees. Delta Dental also offers dental benefit plans directly to individuals and families. The company proudly supports oral health initiatives, educational programs and charitable causes that help educate people about the importance of dental health and provide free dental care to those in need. Delta Dental of Missouri also created the Missouri Dental Care Resource Guide to help individuals access information about low-cost and free dental care options in their area—available online at www.DeltaDentalMO.com/ResourceGuide1. To learn more about the company, visit www.DeltaDentalMO.com.