8,000+ South Carolina Children To Learn Essential Oral Health Habits Through Delta Dental Of South Carolina's Land Of Smiles Program

LEXINGTON, SC 12/11/25… With tooth decay remaining the leading chronic disease, affecting 23% of those ages 2 to 5, establishing strong oral health habits early has never been more vital. To help foster these habits, Delta Dental of South Carolina – a non-profit organization and leading dental benefits provider and oral health philanthropist – has expanded its popular Land of Smiles® dental education program to include preschoolers. This fall, more than 8,000 children from preschool through third grade will benefit from this free, interactive program featuring superhero Captain Super Grin® and her sidekicks through in-person and virtual performances. Children at Deerfield Elementary School, Batesburg-Leesville Primary School and Nursery Road Elementary School in Lexington County were among those most recently enjoying the show.

The Land of Smiles® experience follows Captain Super Grin® as she defeats her nemesis, Caz Cavity^SM, with help from Terri Tooth Fairy^SM and Toothpick^SM. Students learn the importance of brushing twice a day, flossing, using mouthwash, eating healthy foods and visiting the dentist regularly. The program includes an oral health curriculum that adheres to National and South Carolina Health Education Standards and offers age-appropriate materials in English and Spanish. Participating students receive free “smile bags” with a toothbrush, toothpaste and dental floss.

“Establishing essential oral health habits early on lays the foundation for lifelong healthy smiles — and this program plays a meaningful role in supporting that outcome,” stated Stacy Harris, community impact program manager at Delta Dental of South Carolina.

Since 2014, Land of Smiles has reached 360,000 kindergarten through third-grade students across 44 South Carolina counties. Pre- and post-show surveys show a significant improvement in these students’ oral health knowledge and behaviors after seeing a performance. Now that impact is being extended to even younger learners.

To schedule a performance, elementary educators can request an in-person or virtual show by emailing Schools@NationalTheatre.com or visiting www.landofsmilesprogram.org. Pre-school directors can request the virtual show by visiting www.landofsmilesprogram.org and clicking on “South Carolina” then “Request Early Childhood Program.”