Colgate Bright Smiles, Bright Futures and TeamSmile are marking 20 years of partnership focused on oral health education and access to dental care for underserved children in the United States. According to the organizations, the collaboration has helped TeamSmile provide more than $24 million in free dental care and oral health education to more than 65,000 children through programs held at major sporting venues and events nationwide.
The milestone year begins May 29 with a one-day clinic at the ShopRite LPGA Powered by Wakefern tournament in Galloway, New Jersey. The event will provide free oral health education, dental screenings, on-site treatments, and opportunities for children to meet LPGA players.
The organizations stated in a press release that cavities remain the most common chronic childhood disease, affecting half of children ages 2-19. The release stated that one-third of children with cavities go untreated and that children in the United States miss up to three days of school each year because of dental-related illness. The organizations also cited barriers including limited oral health literacy, cost, fear, and restricted access to care as factors that disproportionately affect underserved communities.
This year, Colgate is investing in additional staff, a second trailer, and new dental equipment to support TeamSmile programs.
“Colgate’s 20-year commitment has been transformative for the children we serve and our organization,” said John McCarthy, executive director, TeamSmile. “Its support goes far beyond funding, with the Colgate BSBF team providing critical, on-the-ground oral health education and resources. This year’s investment in new equipment and staffing is a game-changer, allowing us to expand our reach and serve even more of the communities that need it.”
The Colgate Bright Smiles, Bright Futures program, established in 1991, has reached approximately two billion children and families in more than 100 countries through oral health education, free dental screenings, and treatment referrals in underserved communities. The TeamSmile collaboration is part of that initiative in the United States.
“Colgate-Palmolive is a caring, innovative growth company that is reimagining a healthier future for all. And for two decades, the Colgate brand’s partnership with TeamSmile has played a vital role in advancing the mission of the BSBF program in the U.S.,” said Anaika Forbes Grant, manager, community oral health, Colgate-Palmolive North America. “We’re proud to help deliver oral health education as well as essential care to tens of thousands of children through this partnership, and remain committed to supporting TeamSmile in making healthier smiles for years to come.”
Additional TeamSmile events in partnership with Colgate BSBF are scheduled to take place later in 2026 in Arkansas, Georgia, and Texas.
TeamSmile, founded in 2007, partners with professional sports teams, dentists, dental organizations, dental schools, and volunteers to provide free dental services and oral health education. The organization reports that it has conducted more than 350 programs nationwide and brings more than $650,000 in dental equipment and supplies to create onsite dental clinics.
Colgate-Palmolive sells oral care, personal care, home care, and pet nutrition products in more than 200 countries and territories.
More information is available at colgate.com/bsbf and teamsmile.org.
