Land of Smiles Visits Pond Elementary

students in learned firsthand about how tooth decay can negatively impact several, critical elements of their lives, including concentration at school. Pond Elementary was among the 2012 tour stops provided by Delta Dental of Missouri, a dental benefits provider and educational organization whose representatives impart knowledge through entertaining performers.

“Dental disease is 100 percent preventable,” said David Haynes, president and CEO of Delta Dental of Missouri in the previsit material. “All you have to do is stick to the dental health basics. Over the past decade, our Tooth Wizard, Panda and PlaqueMan characters have not only reached over 700,000 children with this important messaging, they have inspired change. We are proud to be improving the oral health and overall health of the communities we serve.”

The “Land of Smiles” show presented to Pond students on Feb. 3 featured two characters called Tooth Wizard and his sidekick, Panda. The pair got the children enthused about brushing and flossing properly, as well as visiting their “best friend,” the dentist. The Tooth Wizard also discussed what foods are good and bad for teeth and overall health, and the importance of eating right, exercising daily and making healthy choices.

Tooth decay is the leading chronic infectious disease among children in America, according to Delta Dental research. Decay-related problems can interfere with children's ability to eat and speak, and have the potential to affect their systemic health.

The Tooth Wizard also presented gifts for Pond students. After the show, Pond nurse Kim Pearson received a Land of Smiles curriculum kit that can be used to help reinforce the good oral health messages of the show in the classroom. The fun treasure chest included a mouth model and large toothbrush, four children’s books, a sing-a-long CD and a Land of Smiles DVD. Each child was sent home with a “smile bag” from Delta Dental packed with a toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, an educational coloring sheet and a mirror decal reminding them to brush twice each day.

Before the end of May, two separate “Land of Smiles” casts collectively will teach more than 70,000 students at 300-plus schools in 90 counties across Missouri.