Children receive screenings, learn about oral hygiene during Colgate Bright Smiles, Bright Futures event

ADA Foundation brings philanthropic events to SmileCon

About 250 children are receiving free oral health screenings and educational resources during SmileCon through the Colgate Bright Smiles, Bright Futures education and screening event, in collaboration with the ADA Foundation’s Give Kids A Smile program.

The two-day event kicked off Oct. 17 as students from Edward Hynes-Parkview Charter School in New Orleans arrived ready to learn about the benefits of good oral hygiene. The children received screenings from dental professionals and goody bags filled with oral health products and a dental clinic referral list. They also participated in hands-on activities at stations focused on toothbrushing, nutrition, math and more.

“All these stations are providing kids the necessary tools that they need to do oral health education but to also understand the benefits of taking care of their teeth, not just now but for a longer time to come,” said Anaika Forbes-Grant, manager of community oral health for Colgate Bright Smiles, Bright Futures.

The education and screening event is part of the ADA Foundation’s philanthropic events taking place during SmileCon. This is the third year it has come to SmileCon, with its signature 32-foot red and white mobile dental van in tow.

For Ms. Forbes-Grant, getting to play with the children is her favorite part of Bright Smiles, Bright Futures.

“My favorite, favorite part is knowing that this is a memory, this is a core memory for these kids, and it’s also going to take that home with them, the benefits of oral health,” she said.

Screenings will continue Oct. 18 in the Social Impact Hub of Dental Central. To learn more about the ADA Foundation and Give Kids A Smile, visit adafoundation.org. For more on Bright Smiles, Bright Futures, head to colgatepalmolive.com.