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Colgate and TeamSmile: A 20-Year Commitment to Children's Oral Health

In a remarkable celebration of community service and commitment to children's health, Colgate-Palmolive has marked the 20th anniversary of its partnership with TeamSmile, a national non-profit organization dedicated to improving dental health for underserved children. Over the past two decades, this collaboration has significantly impacted the lives of many, providing more than $24 million in free dental care and educational resources to over 65,000 children across the United States.

A Commitment to Healthy Smiles

2026 has proven to be a notable year for this initiative, with activities kicking off at the ShopRite LPGA golf tournament in Galloway, New Jersey. Here, children received not only free dental screenings and treatments but also valuable oral health education, all while getting to meet professional LPGA players. This engaging approach exemplifies how sports can serve as a powerful vehicle for promoting health education.

Despite being a largely preventable condition, cavities remain the most prevalent chronic disease among children aged 2 to 19, affecting nearly half of this age group. Alarmingly, many children with cavities go untreated, resulting in school absences due to dental-related illnesses. The Colgate Bright Smiles, Bright Futures (BSBF) initiative aims to bridge this gap by increasing access to dental care and health literacy, particularly in marginalized communities where dental resources are scarce.

Addressing Disparities in Dental Health

The adverse effects of dental neglect are substantial. Children in underserved areas often face numerous barriers, including economic constraints, fear of dental procedures, and lack of knowledge about dental health. This makes partnerships like that of Colgate and TeamSmile not only beneficial but essential. The BSBF program addresses these disparities by combining the excitement of sports with critical health education and services.

John McCarthy, Executive Director of TeamSmile, expressed the immense impact Colgate's support has had over the years. "Colgate's 20-year commitment has been transformative for the children we serve and our organization. The support goes beyond funding; it empowers us to provide effective oral health education and much-needed resources. With this year's investment, we can expand our reach and continue serving communities that rely on our services," he stated.

A Global Mission

Since its inception in 1991, the Colgate Bright Smiles, Bright Futures program has extended its reach globally, impacting nearly two billion children and families across over 100 countries. The mission remains consistent: to promote lifelong healthy habits through education, screenings, and referrals for treatment, especially in underserved demographics.

Anaika Forbes Grant, Community Oral Health Manager at Colgate-Palmolive North America, highlighted the importance of the partnership: "The collaboration with TeamSmile has played a vital role in advancing our mission to improve children’s dental health in the U.S. We are proud to help deliver essential oral health education and care to tens of thousands of children and remain committed to supporting TeamSmile's efforts for healthier smiles in the years to come."

Looking Ahead

As part of this milestone year, additional TeamSmile events in cooperation with Colgate BSBF are scheduled for Arkansas, Georgia, and Texas later in 2026. These initiatives continue to reinforce the belief that every child deserves access to a healthy smile.

Colgate invites those interested in supporting this cause to access free oral health educational materials and explore volunteer opportunities through their website. Together, we can create a world filled with brighter smiles and assured futures.

For further information on Colgate-Palmolive’s extensive range of products and initiatives aimed at sustainability and community welfare, visit Colgate-Palmolive.

About TeamSmile

Founded in 2007, TeamSmile forms effective partnerships with professional sports teams, local dentists, and volunteers to promote dental health awareness and deliver free dental services to children. Serving over 65,000 children and providing upwards of $24 million in dental care and education showcases the profound impact of their efforts. Learn more at TeamSmile.