Sealants for Smiles
Bright, happy smiles often mean happy, ready-to-learn children. The pain of untreated tooth decay can keep a child from concentrating and learning, eating nutritional meals or even enjoying fun with friends. Sealants for Smiles, a nonprofit Utah 501(c)(3) public charity, provides oral health education, dental screenings and application of dental sealants to specific grades in Title I (low income) elementary schools in Utah.
United Way of Salt Lake launched a "Sealants for Smiles Initiative" in 2004 and has successfully implemented the program in the Salt Lake City and Granite School Districts. Sealants for SmilesSM assumed the fiscal and program management of the United Way of Salt Lake school-based dental sealant program July 1, 2007.
"Our Sealants for Smiles initiative has accomplished a tremendous amount in a few short years," said Deborah S. Bayle, president and CEO of United Way of Salt Lake." As the developer and incubator of this initiative, we are honored to have been able to provide high level care and education to our community's school children. We are also extremely pleased to have Sealants for Smiles assume responsibility for the initiative."
Sealants for Smiles is funded through tax-deductible contributions from individuals, corporations and private foundations. Dental Select, the largest independent dental insurer in Utah, donates all administration expenses for Sealants for Smiles so that 100% of all donations go toward providing oral health education and dental sealants to low-income and at risk children.
Dental sealants help prevent tooth decay in teeth by providing a physical barrier from cavity-causing bacteria. Giving children education, dental screenings and, when appropriate, applying dental sealants will help ensure their oral health for years.
Sealants for Smiles was proud to have held their first annual charity event, "An Evening of Smiles" on October 25th 2008 at the Grand America Hotel. It was an incredible event not to be forgotten. Thanks to all those who participated and joined with us in making this truly a night to remember. To view photos of the night please go to the following link: http://www.otmark.com/SealantsForSmilesGala
For more information on next year’s event please contact us through our "contact us" page.