Oral Health Program Has Reached Two Billion Children
A long-running initiative aims to improve global dental habits through classroom education and mobile screenings.
Updated on Sept. 22, 2026 in Children’s Health
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Colgate-Palmolive has reached over two billion children through its Bright Smiles, Bright Futures oral health education program. The company recently convened experts at the United Nations to discuss expanding this initiative to reach another one billion children.
Why it matters
Expanding global access to oral health education is a critical step in reducing the prevalence of preventable dental disease in childhood. By leveraging community-based resources, the program seeks to instill lifelong hygiene habits that decrease long-term health risks.
A report from UCLA highlights a 75% reduction in new cavities in Grenada and a 23% increase in healthy gingival units in Mexico City following program participation. These figures reflect outcomes from established programming across a global reach of 100 countries.
The players
Colgate-Palmolive
A multinational consumer goods company focused on oral care, personal care, and pet nutrition.
WHO Foundation
An independent entity that facilitates global health initiatives and supports the work of the World Health Organization.
Dalberg Design
A design firm specializing in social impact strategies and human-centered research for health organizations.
The details
The program utilizes a combination of school-based curriculum, free oral health screenings, and mobile dental vans to provide care in underserved areas. New educational materials incorporate human-centered design and behavior change principles, which were field-tested across India, Kenya, Mexico, and the United States to ensure local relevance.
Timeline
The program launched in 1991.
Colgate-Palmolive announced funding for the WHO Foundation earlier this year.
Experts gathered to discuss the program at the United Nations on September 22, 2026.
Health Landscape
This effort represents a significant scaling of corporate-led public health education within the global dental care landscape. The program’s new funding commitment to the WHO Foundation signals an effort to integrate private-sector resources with international health priorities.
Building consistent oral hygiene habits, such as regular brushing and flossing, is the foundation of preventing dental disease in children. Parents should discuss age-appropriate dental care routines and the timing of the first professional dental checkup with their family dentist.
The takeaway
Effective oral health education programs can significantly reduce the incidence of childhood cavities and gingival disease. Consistent daily hygiene practices and routine professional screenings remain the best tools for maintaining dental health throughout childhood.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest developments in Children’s Health.
More information
Find further details on global initiatives at the Colgate-Palmolive corporate information and resources page.
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