Delta Dental Launches New Student Health Program
The Land of Smiles: The Grin Prix program brings oral and vision health education to Missouri students.
Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in Primary Education
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Delta Dental of Missouri has launched its Land of Smiles: The Grin Prix educational initiative for children in kindergarten through third grade. The program offers no-cost health instruction to 23,500 students across the state this fall.
Why it matters
The initiative aims to establish fundamental oral and vision health habits early by providing interactive, bilingual resources to young students. It includes practical supplies like toothbrushes and floss to encourage consistent care at home.
The Land of Smiles program has reached 1.2 million students since 2002. This fall, the initiative covers 925 students at three Sedalia schools, including Parkview Elementary and Washington Elementary.
The players
Delta Dental of Missouri
This organization is a dental benefits provider that operates community outreach programs focused on pediatric health education.
Parkview Elementary School
This is one of the local educational institutions in Sedalia participating in the health curriculum.
Loftus Early Childhood Center
This center is a participant in the current statewide health education outreach program.
Washington Elementary School
This Sedalia school is hosting the oral and vision health program for its students.
The details
The curriculum uses in-person and virtual performances from characters like Captain Super Grin to teach kids about dental hygiene and healthy eating. Every participating child receives a free care bag containing a toothbrush, toothpaste, and dental floss.
Timeline
The Land of Smiles program was established in 2002.
The program reached 60,000 students in 2025.
The initiative is reaching 23,500 children in Missouri during the fall of 2026.
Culture Shift
This program reflects a broader trend of private health organizations intervening in early childhood education to address public health gaps. The expansion follows a pattern set by the Delta Dental of Missouri Land of Smiles historical outreach reach of 1.2 million students.
Parents of students in the participating Sedalia schools can expect their children to receive free dental health kits and specialized classroom instruction. These resources are provided at no cost to the schools, ensuring consistent access to preventive health tools.
The takeaway
Early intervention through interactive programs like this one helps normalize dentist visits and daily hygiene routines for young children. Implementing these habits at home can lead to better long-term health outcomes for students in the Missouri school system.
Further reading
Learn more about local educational initiatives in the Primary Education section.
More information
To see available resources or to Schedule a Land of Smiles performance, visit the official program portal.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Sedalia Democrat.
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