ROCK ISLAND, ILLINOIS (February 15, 2023) — As more than two million Illinois students strive for success both in and out of the classroom this spring, Delta Dental of Illinois Foundation is helping to ensure that tooth decay doesn’t get in the way of them learning and performing at their best. The newly-revamped Land of Smiles program will be touring schools throughout the state and is being produced by The National Theatre for Children.
Captain Super Grin, champion of dental hygiene, and his nemesis Caz Cavity will visit eight schools the week of February 21 as part of Delta Dental of Illinois Foundation’s interactive Land of Smiles program. In this fun and interactive performance, the two costumed characters — alongside their sidekicks Terri Tooth Fairy and Toothpick — will teach kids why teeth are important and how to take care of them, which includes how to correctly brush and floss. They’ll also talk about the importance of choosing healthy foods and drinks and visiting the dentist regularly.
When/Where:
- 2/21/2023: North Elementary School, 9AM | Waukegan, IL
- 2/21/2023: Northwest Elementary School, 1:30PM and 2:30PM | La Salle, IL
- 2/22/2023: Denkmann Elementary School, 9:30AM | Rock Island, IL
- 2/22/2023: Frances Willard Elementary School, 12:30PM | Rock Island, IL
- 2/23/2023: Wallace Grade School, 10AM | Ottawa, IL
- 2/23/2023: John F. Kennedy Elementary School, 1:45PM | Spring Valley, IL
- 2/24/2023: Prairie Point Elementary School, 9:30AM and 10:05AM | Oswego, IL
- 2/24/2023: Lakewood Creek Elementary School, 1:30PM and 2:05PM | Montgomery, IL
Why:
Tooth decay can get in the way of students’ attendance, concentration, and performance at school. About 62% of Illinois parents report that their child currently has or has experienced a dental issue.
A checkup with the dentist is required by state law for Illinois students in kindergarten, second, sixth, and ninth grade. But it’s also key for students to maintain good oral-health habits — such as eating healthy foods and limiting sugary drinks — throughout the school year. Education provides the foundation for kids to establish a lifetime of good oral health.
Who:
- Costumed characters Captain Super Grin and Caz Cavity are available for in-studio, virtual/Zoom or phone interviews.
- Lora Vitek, executive director of the Delta Dental of Illinois Foundation, and Dr Jason Grinter, dental director for Delta Dental of Illinois, are available for virtual/Zoom or phone interviews.
About Delta Dental of Illinois Foundation:
Delta Dental of Illinois Foundation, the charitable arm of Delta Dental of Illinois, works to support and improve the oral health of Illinois residents, with a specific focus on children.
Delta Dental of Illinois Foundation partners with school administrators and nurses to bring the free Land of Smiles program to Illinois elementary schools each spring and fall. The program has reached 520,761 students at 937 Illinois elementary schools over the past twelve years. This spring, it is reaching 21,905 pre-kindergarten through third-grade students in 95 Illinois schools in-person and virtually.
Learn more about the Foundation and its Land of Smiles program at deltadentalil.com/ddilfoundation.
