Q: What worries has COVID-19 posed for Delta Dental of Missouri?

A: COVID-19 has been a video game-changer for most organizations — and the state’s primary dental benefits supplier is no exception. It has prompted Delta Dental of Missouri to extend, innovate and reimagine not only how we carry on meeting the shifting requires of our purchasers and customers, and help men and women of all ages access critical dental treatment, so they can are living better lives by way of enhanced dental wellness, but also how we adapt our preferred Land of Smiles academic plan.

Q: What is the Land of Smiles application?

A: Due to the fact 2002, our Land of Smiles system has frequented hundreds of elementary educational institutions all over Missouri just about every yr with a reside clearly show that teaches quality-university small children good dental well being habits.

When COVID-19 strike, our workforce, like the relaxation of the nation, wasn’t absolutely sure what the 2020-21 faculty 12 months would look like, so we went to operate to produce a virtual expertise. We made an partaking, age-appropriate on the net program that includes a vibrant 30-minute video with model-new Land of Smiles superhero figures, which can be utilized for college students in the classroom and for these associated in partial or complete-time virtual discovering.

Q: What does Land of Smiles train schoolchildren?

A: Our digital Land of Smiles knowledge follows dynamic superhero Captain Super Grin as he defeats his nemesis, Caz Cavity, with a little assistance from his sidekicks, Terri Tooth Fairy and Toothpick. Throughout the adventure, pupils master the worth of brushing teeth twice a day, flossing, consuming healthful foodstuff and visiting the dentist frequently.

Delta Dental of Missouri presents no cost “smile bags” to colleges for pupils who take part in the plan. Each and every bag includes a toothbrush, toothpaste and dental floss to support learners follow the great oral wellness routines that they understand. Each school is liable for distributing the bags to taking part pupils who attend school in individual or practically.

Q: How very long will Land of Smiles be offered to faculties?

A: Our digital Land of Smiles experience launched the starting of October, and more than 60 Missouri educational facilities have already signed up to choose gain of the system. We will be next federal, point out and county rules to determine when it is harmless to resume our in-individual Land of Smiles performances at educational facilities. In the meantime, we are encouraging interested universities to sign-up for our digital featuring.

Q: How can colleges signal up for the method?

A: Lecturers, school nurses and principals can check out www.LandofSmilesProgram.org to preview the no cost method and request access to it on a date and time that operates for their students.

Stacy Harris is the supervisor of group outreach at Delta Dental of Missouri in St. Louis. Delta Dental of Missouri is the state’s foremost dental benefits company and a 501(c)(4) nonprofit corporation.