Sharks Foundation funds free dental care for 1,600 Bay Area children
The Sharks Foundation has awarded a $40,000 grant to the Healthier Kids Foundation to expand dental care for Bay Area children. The funding will support the Dental First program, offering free screenings and oral health resources to around 1,600 students aged 5 to 12 during the 2025-26 school year. A recent event at Lowell Elementary School in San Jose marked the launch of this partnership, with S.J. Sharkie joining students for screenings and educational activities.
The grant was announced during a dental health activation at Lowell Elementary School. S.J. Sharkie visited two second-grade classrooms, handing out hygiene kits and beanies while students received free dental check-ups. Sharks staff, community partners, and San Jose District 3 Councilmember Anthony Tordillos also attended the event.
The funding will boost the **Dental First** program in several ways. It will increase the number of screening visits, improve case management, and provide essential screening materials. Outreach efforts will also expand to reach more children in need of dental care. Jenné Johnson, the Sharks Foundation's Director of Operations, highlighted concerns about limited access to dentists and quality oral healthcare for local students. To further support education, an interactive tutorial featuring S.J. Sharkie will be added to the Healthier Kids Foundation's curriculum in March 2025. The tutorial will cover proper oral hygiene, the importance of regular dental visits, and healthy eating habits.
The partnership between the Sharks Foundation and Healthier Kids Foundation aims to improve dental health for young students across the Bay Area. Over the next school year, around 1,600 children will benefit from free screenings, educational resources, and enhanced support services. The initiative reflects a shared commitment to the well-being of local youth.
