New patch program in partnership with Delta Dental of Tennessee and Smile180 Foundation will teach Girl Scouts the importance of dental hygiene and overall health
NASHVILLE, Tenn. - (March 24, 2025) - Girl Scouts of Middle Tennessee today announced the launch of the Smile Squad Patch Program, a new initiative developed in partnership with Delta Dental of Tennessee and its Smile180 Foundation to promote healthy habits and educate Girl Scouts about how dental health is linked to your overall health and wellbeing.
Girl Scout troops across Middle Tennessee can now participate in this self-led patch program, developed by the Delta Dental Foundation of Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, and North Carolina (DDF). The curriculum encourages Girl Scouts to engage in activities that promote healthy habits, including:
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Reviewing good dental hygiene practices: Girls will learn the proper techniques for brushing and flossing to maintain optimal oral health.
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Conducting oral health experiments: Through hands-on activities, participants will explore the effects of acids and sugars on tooth enamel, enhancing their understanding of dental science.
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Identifying hidden sugars: Scouts will investigate how sugars are present in various foods and beverages and their impact on dental health.
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Tracking healthy habits: Participants will monitor their brushing routines and daily reading habits, emphasizing the importance of consistency in maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
“Girl Scouts of Middle Tennessee is excited to offer this opportunity to our Scouts and our community and is grateful for the partnership with Delta Dental. Our goal is to continue to provide meaningful programing, including self-care, healthy living, STEAM curricula and career exploration, which can only come to fruition with our partners.” said Danielle Barnes, CEO and President of Girl Scouts of Middle Tennessee.
Smile Squad curriculum materials, patches, and other oral health resources are now available to all Girl Scouts of Middle Tennessee troops, free of charge. You can find materials and request patches here. Earning the Smile Squad patch helps Girl Scouts work toward other badges, including My Best Self, Snacks, Eating for You, and Staying Fit.
“At Delta Dental, we believe that a healthy smile is foundational to overall health and well-being,” said Missy Acosta, Senior Vice President, Brand Experience at Delta Dental of Tennessee. “We are proud to partner with the Girl Scouts of Middle Tennessee to launch the Smile Squad Patch Program, empowering young girls to take charge of their oral health in a fun and educational way. This program offers an engaging way for girls to learn about the importance of oral health, fostering habits that will benefit them throughout their lives.”
The two-year partnership is funded by Delta Dental of Tennessee’s charitable arm, the Smile180 Foundation. Additional plans through the partnership include adapting and expanding the Smile Squad curriculum to Girl Scouts of Middle Tennessee’s L.E.A.D. (Lead, Empower, Achieve, Discover) program, which serves about 1,000 girls. Dr. Cherae Farmer-Dixon, Dean of Meharry Medical College’s School of Dentistry, will speak to girls about career opportunities in dentistry at the Council’s September 2025 Girl Scouts Summit. “Girl Scouting taught me leadership, teamwork, and the confidence to set and achieve goals,” said Dr. Farmer-Dixon. “Our smiles and oral health influence both how we see ourselves and how others perceive us. Being able to merge my love for dentistry with my passion for Girl Scouting to educate and inspire young girls is a truly rewarding experience.”
For more information about the Smile Squad Patch Program, visit the Smile Patch Program website.
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About Girl Scouts of Middle Tennessee
Girl Scouts of Middle Tennessee is the premier leadership organization for all girls to have the opportunity to pursue greatness, create sustainable change in their communities, and actively transform the world around them now and for future generations.
Girl Scouts of Middle Tennessee (GSMIDTN) serves approximately 11,000 girls in 39 counties across Middle Tennessee. GSMIDTN strives to build girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place. For more information on how you can be involved in Girl Scouts, visit gsmidtn.org.
About Delta Dental of Tennessee
Delta Dental of Tennessee is the state’s largest independent dental benefits carrier with 1.5 million lives covered. As part of the Delta Dental Plans Association, Delta Dental of Tennessee members have access to the largest dental network in the nation, with more than 206,000 providers serving more than 558,000 locations. With the simple mission of ensuring healthy smiles, Delta Dental of Tennessee works hard to help members of the communities it serves. Along with its corporate foundation, Smile180, Delta Dental of Tennessee donated more than $4.0 million in funding and in-kind services to over 100 organizations in 2024.