Delta Dental of Missouri Virtual Land of Smiles Registration Open

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 visiwww.LandofSmilesMO.org.

The virtual Land of Smiles® experience follows dynamic superhero Captain Super GrinSM, as he defeats his nemesis, Caz CavitySM, with a little help from his sidekicks, Terri Tooth FairySM and ToothpickSM. 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.