The Delta Dental of Arizona Foundation and Arizona PBS are pleased to announce the winners of the inaugural Children’s Writing Contest, which is part of a larger “Healthy Smiles” campaign to promote good oral health to children across the state. Through the program, kids in pre-K through third grade were invited to write and illustrate a story about having healthy teeth, gums and a great smile.

The first-place winners, each of whom were awarded a PBS KIDS PlayPad Tablet and a Delta Dental gift basket with dental care items, are:
• Pre-K: Simone D’Costa of Tempe
• Kindergarten: Maren Rode of Tempe
• 1st Grade: Claire Johnstone of Dewey
• 2nd Grade: Elizabeth Beckstein of Scottsdale
• 3rd Grade: Amber Ramirez of Chandler

The second-place winners, each of whom were awarded an Arizona PBS KIDS and Delta Dental gift basket of dental care items as well as children’s books and a PBS KIDS stuffed animal, are
• Pre-K: Twyla Hage of Fort Mohave
• Kindergarten: Emily D’Costa of Tempe
• 1st Grade: Lydia Smith of Central Phoenix
• 2nd Grade: Sylvia Fletcher of Chandler
• 3rd Grade: Ezra Brewer of Gilbert

The third-place winners, each of whom were awarded an Arizona PBS KIDS and Delta Dental gift basket of dental care items and children’s books, are:
• Pre-K: Ben Hall of Surprise
• Kindergarten: Monty Molina of Tempe
• 1st Grade: Sophia Perez of Avondale
• 2nd Grade: Maeve Cibelli of North Phoenix/Deer Valley
• 3rd Grade: Emily Acedo of Chandler

Through the contest and a series of free events, the statewide campaign centered on boosting family involvement in good oral health practices, focusing on the importance of brushing twice a day, changing toothbrushes regularly and visiting the dentist twice a year. A series of free events were held from February to September in rural areas, including Bullhead City, Grand Canyon, Lake Havasu City, Parker, Prescott Valley, Safford, San Luis, Somerton, Tucson, and Yuma. Each event featured PBS characters, educational crafts, activities, and giveaways for children up to age 8. Local dental professionals also offered free dental screenings and fluoride varnish treatments.