Walmart is working with Colgate's Bright Smiles, Bright Futures program to create Building Smiles Together, a new initiative dedicated to providing free dental screenings and oral health education to children in need.
A program launch hosted by all-star third baseman Adrian Beltre is taking place at a Walmart Supercenter in Grand Prairie, TX, on Monday, June 27. Colgate Bright Smiles, Bright Futures mobile dental vans, staffed by Dallas-based volunteer dentists, will be onsite providing free dental screenings, oral health education, treatment referrals, and a Building Smiles Together kit that includes educational materials and a free toothbrush and toothpaste for children ages 1 to 12.
Ranked as the 48th worst state for dental care by 2009 Gallup-Healthways poll, Texas is a key market for the Building Smiles Together program. According to the Basic Screening Survey of Texas Public School Children conducted in 2006, 44% of children ages 6-8 had untreated dental caries compared with 26% nationally.
A website has also been launched to support the program. BuildingSmilesTogether.com is an interactive site where families can access oral health resources, informational videos, and engaging games to help encourage children to care for themselves by practicing proper, healthy habits.
Additionally, Colgate and Walmart are offering a free, trial-sized children's toothpaste to all families who visit the website on June 27.
