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Thanks to the generous support of the Delta Dental of Kentucky Foundation, school nurses across the state are better equipped to fight tooth decay and promote healthy habits among their students. A $7,500 grant provided by the Foundation funded oral health education kits for 10 school nurses, each serving approximately 200 elementary school children and their families—bringing vital resources to over 2,000 Kentuckians.
These school nurses received:
In regions where access to dental care remains a significant challenge, these tools help bridge the gap through education and early prevention. Kentucky ranks among the states with the highest rates of dental health issues. According to the CDC, more than 40% of Kentucky’s third graders have untreated tooth decay—well above the national average. For families in rural or underserved communities, school nurses are often the most trusted and consistent point of contact for health information.
One of the participating nurses, Rebecca Mitchell of Shepherdsville, KY, shared her enthusiasm:
“We absolutely loved the teaching magnetic board showing healthy food choices! The students could be active participants! Of course, the toothbrushes were a hit! Thank you!!”
The Kentucky School Nurse Oral Health HERO Initiative, developed by America’s ToothFairy, empowers these frontline health workers to educate students about how oral health impacts overall health, encourage better hygiene habits, and connect families with safety-net dental providers in their area.
This initiative would not be possible without the support of the Delta Dental of Kentucky Foundation. Their continued investment in oral health equity ensures that children—no matter where they live—have the tools they need to build healthy smiles that last a lifetime.
See how you can support oral health education in your community through our Smile Guardian Program.
