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Children in foster care often face overwhelming challenges—and poor oral health is one of the most common. To help break the cycle of dental disease among this vulnerable population, America’s ToothFairy partnered with the Pacific Coast Society for Prosthodontics (PCSP) to educate caregivers and empower kids served by Olive Crest, a nonprofit organization dedicated to preventing child abuse and supporting children and families in crisis.
Together, we provided in-person training for Olive Crest social workers, led by Dr. Jean Wu, President of PCSP. The session helped child welfare staff learn how to recognize and respond to dental health issues among the children in their care—many of whom arrive in the foster care system with untreated tooth decay, pain, and oral infections.
“Good oral health is a foundational element of a child’s overall wellbeing,” Dr. Wu noted. “Partnering with America’s ToothFairy allowed us to provide the tools and training needed to make a difference where it matters most.”
As part of the outreach, our Smile Guardian program distributed dental hygiene kits and educational materials to support 1,000 children served by Olive Crest. These “Protect Your Smile” kits included toothbrushes, toothpaste, educational booklets, caregiver tip sheets, and nutrition guides to encourage healthier habits and prevent future oral health problems.
“Children in foster care deserve a healthy smile and a healthy start,” said Jill Malmgren, Executive Director of America’s ToothFairy. “Thanks to the dedication of PCSP and Olive Crest, this partnership is helping vulnerable youth gain access to the knowledge and resources they need to thrive.”
This initiative is one of many community-based outreach programs supported by the PCSP Foundation, which also funds prosthodontic research and supports future dental professionals through scholarships and educational events.
Together, we can help every child protect their smile. Learn how to become a Smile Guardian.
