Thursday, Jan. 28 2010 5:47PM

Tooth Wizard vs. PlaqueMan

‘Land of Smiles’ production teaches students healthy dental habits

Emily Jarrett, Journal Staff

The Tooth Wizard was on a roll, teaching nearly 250 kindergarten through third grade students the proper way to brush their teeth.

“We want to make sure we get all that icky, sticky, slimy, grimy stuff from off our teeth,” he told them.

But just at that moment, the Tooth Wizard’s arch nemesis – PlaqueMan – appeared.

“Boo,” yelled the students in unison.

Just another day in the “Land of Smiles,” a production for students put on by Delta Dental to help them learn good oral hygiene habits. On Tuesday, students at Our Lady of the Presentation, watched as the Tooth Wizard took on PlaqueMan and won.

“I don’t have a favorite part because all of it was funny,” said Sydney Rogers, 7. “I liked it a lot when the Tooth Wizard defeated PlaqueMan though, it was really fun.”

“One of the best things about this show is how excited the kids get,” said John Schultz, who plays the Tooth Wizard. “And the way it’s presented, the kids laugh a lot and have fun watching us run around, but they’re learning too.”

Delta Dental is one of the largest dental benefits providers in the country, serving more than 54 million families. The “Land of Smiles” program is provided at no cost to participating schools to encourage good dental habits.

“Delta Dental is very focused on health awareness, particularly in kids,” said Cliff Turner, who plays PlaqueMan. “Every year we put on 300 shows between January and May.”

Mary Rupp, a nurse at OLP, said this is the fourth year Land of Smiles has been performed at the school.

“I think that first year I received something in the mail about it and it seemed like a great idea,” she said. “The teachers were immediately on board with it. Even though they’re giving up some class time, the kids really love watching the show and are learning valuable lessons too.”

During the Land of Smiles performance, students get to interact with the Tooth Wizard as he shows them the proper way to brush their teeth – in small circles, not up and down – floss, use mouthwash and to always remember to brush their tongue.

“Obviously, you can’t learn everything there is to know about dental hygiene in a half hour,” Turner said. “But the kids are having so much fun they don’t realize they’re learning. And what’s better is that they’re excited about it – when we’re excited and acting silly, so are they.”

“A lot of times the kids already know good dental hygiene,” Schultz added. “And the way the show is presented, the kids are really telling me what to do to defeat PlaqueMan.”

Rupp said the students enjoy the show every year and hopes the “Land of Smiles” production will be back many more times.

“Studies have shown poor oral health really effects learning,” she said. “So it’s important to start life-long dental habits now, when the students are young.”

Seven-year-old Jack Washeck said his favorite part of the show was when the Tooth Wizard finally defeated PlaqueMan by using a giant tooth brush.

“It was really funny,” he said. “I really liked the show and I learned a lot of things too.”

To reach Journal reporter Emily Jarrett, call 816-282-7018 or e-mail ejarrett@lsjournal.com.