The Delta Dental of Arizona Foundation is partnering with Arizona PBS on an educational outreach program to promote good oral health to children in rural communities across the state.

The statewide campaign will boost 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 will be held from February to August in rural areas, including Bullhead City, Flagstaff, Lake Havasu City, Payson, Safford, Show Low, Somerton, Tuba City, and Yuma. The events will feature PBS characters, educational crafts, activities, and giveaways for children up to age 8. Local dental professionals will offer free dental screenings and fluoride varnish treatments.

“Community service is an essential part of Arizona PBS’ mission, so we’re excited to partner with Delta Dental of Arizona to help educate children and families in rural communities throughout Arizona on the importance of dental care,” said Arizona PBS General Manager Adrienne Fairwell.

In addition, children are encouraged to participate in a writing and illustration contest about dental health through Jan. 21. Prizes include a Play Pad tablet, electric toothbrushes and basket of oral health goodies. Additional details and entry information are available at azpbs.org/writers.

“Tooth decay is the number one chronic disease among children and is nearly 100% preventable. By offering these free events with Arizona PBS, we hope to help families establish good oral health habits and recognize the power of a healthy smile,” said Michael Jones, president and chief executive officer of Delta Dental of Arizona.

Arizona PBS and Delta Dental of Arizona will continue to follow COVID-19 protocols recommended by the CDC to ensure the safety of participants. For a full listing of events, visit azpbs.org.


About Arizona PBS

Arizona PBS is one of the nation’s leading public media organizations, with four broadcast channels and a growing array of digital platforms. A trusted community resource for 60 years, Arizona PBS fosters lifelong learning through quality programming, in-depth news coverage and critical educational outreach services. It is one of the country’s largest public television stations, reaching 80 percent of Arizona homes and 1.9 million households each week. Arizona PBS has been part of ASU since the station launched in 1961.



About Delta Dental of Arizona

Delta Dental of Arizona is the leading dental benefits provider in Arizona, serving more than 1.2 million enrollees and more than 3,500 contracted dentists across the state. Passionate about oral health and its importance to generations of families, Delta Dental of Arizona has worked for nearly 50 years to improve oral health by emphasizing preventive care and making dental coverage accessible to a wide variety of employers, groups and individuals. Since 2010, Delta Dental of Arizona, through its Foundation, gave over $13 million to support oral health education and disease prevention programs for underserved and uninsured communities across the state. For more information about Delta Dental of Arizona, visit http://www.deltadentalaz.com.