Free Dental Kits Reach Toledo Students Early
Kindergarten through second-grade students at Toledo Elementary received kits and lessons aimed at building brushing habits early.
Updated on Nov. 3, 2026 in Primary Education
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The Tooth Fairy presented an interactive dental health lesson to about 80 kindergarten, first-, and second-grade students at Toledo Elementary School, with each child receiving a dental health kit. The visit is part of a free statewide program for Washington schools, with a focus on rural and medically underserved communities.
Why it matters
More than half of Washington students have experienced tooth decay by third grade, so early habits carry real weight for family health and routine dental costs. The program aims to help children build healthy brushing and flossing habits early, in communities where the need is greatest.
Each child received a kit with a toothbrush, fluoride toothpaste, dental floss, a brushing and flossing chart, and a timer. The lesson taught was Caring for Your Smile, and the recommended brushing duration is two minutes twice a day.
The players
Delta Dental of Washington
A dental benefits provider that developed and funds The Tooth Fairy Experience, a free oral health education program for Washington schools.
Arcora Foundation
A partner organization that co-developed The Tooth Fairy Experience with Delta Dental of Washington.
School Nurse Organization of Washington
A statewide nursing group that partnered on the development of the school-based dental health program.
Washington State Dental Association
The state's professional dental organization, which co-developed the program with Delta Dental of Washington.
The details
Delta Dental of Washington launched The Tooth Fairy Experience in 2019 with Arcora Foundation, the School Nurse Organization of Washington, and the Washington State Dental Association. Educators can access all three lessons for free through downloadable materials or through Tooth Fairy-led presentations, both virtual and in person. The program is available to schools statewide and focuses primarily on rural and medically underserved communities.
Timeline
Delta Dental launched The Tooth Fairy Experience in 2019.
The Tooth Fairy visited Toledo Elementary School last week, as reported in late October 2026.
The Home Front
The program sits within Washington's broader school-based oral health efforts, which target early childhood as the point where tooth decay rates become visible. Its emphasis on rural and medically underserved communities places it alongside statewide access initiatives in dental care.
If your child is in kindergarten through second grade, ask their teacher whether the Caring for Your Smile lesson or similar materials are being used in class. Reinforce a two-minute, twice-daily brushing routine at home, and consider scheduling a regular dental checkup with a licensed dentist.
The takeaway
Early brushing and flossing habits built in kindergarten through second grade can shape a child's dental health for years, and the free kit and brushing timer from the program give families an easy starting point. Keep a brushing chart at home and check in with a licensed dentist about any tooth decay concerns.
Further reading
For more on early learning at this level, explore Primary Education coverage across Toledo schools.
More information
Find free oral health resources and program information from The Tooth Fairy Experience.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Daily Chronicle.
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