Since 2010, KABOOM! and Smile Generation have partnered to bring play to kids across the country. We recently celebrated our 20th playspace build together on September 21, 2024, in Modesto, California.
Much like KABOOM!’s commitment to bringing joy and wellness to children, Smile Generation is dedicated to supporting healthy communities by connecting patients to Smile Generation-trusted dentists and educating on the importance of oral health to overall health. We believe that a healthy smile contributes to a child’s happiness and success, just as play does!
Volunteers at a KABOOM! and Smile Generation build in Long Beach, California
Access to quality health care and places to play are essential for maintaining children’s overall health. Playgrounds offer opportunities for physical activity that boost cardiovascular health, support muscle development, and encourage lifelong fitness habits. Similarly, access to comprehensive health care, including dental services, ensures that children and their families receive preventive care, timely diagnoses, and effective treatments. Regular dental check-ups help prevent oral diseases that can affect overall health, underscoring the importance of a holistic approach to health. Ensuring children have access to both playspaces and comprehensive health care contributes to healthier populations and enhances quality of life.
In recent years, mental health challenges among youth have increased significantly. Playgrounds provide a space for kids to engage in unstructured play, which helps reduce stress, foster creativity, and develop social skills. Regular play can help alleviate symptoms related to mental illnesses, such as depression and anxiety.
Access to health care also ensures that individuals receive mental health support. Comprehensive healthcare services address emotional well-being, and provide support for stress management, coping strategies, and emotional regulation. Together, access to playspaces and health care creates a supportive environment where kids can thrive mentally and emotionally, leading to healthier, more balanced lives.
In addition, preventive oral health care can have a profound impact on mental and emotional well-being. Studies show that good oral health is linked to confidence and a positive self-image, both of which are crucial for emotional regulation and stress management.
On September 21, 2024, KABOOM! and Smile Generation unveiled a new, kid-designed, community-built playground at Aspire Summit Charter Academy in Modesto, California. The collaboration between Aspire Public Schools, Smile Generation and KABOOM! culminated in a ribbon-cutting after more than 90 volunteers built the playspace over three days, based on design input from students.
To ensure play is both accessible and inclusive, the playground features a bilingual communication board at the entrance. This board helps nonverbal children, those with speech challenges, or those who speak different languages express their thoughts and needs by pointing to pictures, allowing every child to fully engage in play. These tools promote cognitive and social-emotional development, ensuring that all children can express themselves and participate in play.
Bilingual communication board at the playground at Aspire Summit Charter Academy
Through these efforts, KABOOM! and Smile Generation continue to create inclusive spaces that promote the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of children, empowering communities nationwide.
During the unveiling, Smile Generation distributed 300 Smile Kits, which include desensitization tools designed to help caregivers of children with sensory needs prepare for a dental visit. Patients with special needs struggle to access regular dental care and the kits aim to improve their comfort and access.
Smile Generation team members holding Smile Kits
“We’re proud and honored to be a part of this 20th playground build, especially as we combine playground equity and oral health equity,” said Toreano Norris, Smile Generation Regional Parter. “The fact that – in addition to providing students with a safe, fun place to play – the playground will also ensure that students with different needs or abilities can enjoy this space is especially gratifying.”
Smile Generation-trusted practices are supported by PDS Health, formerly known as Pacific Dental Services. This recent transformation to PDS Health reflects a broader commitment to integrating comprehensive healthcare services, including dental, medical, and specialty care, to improve patient health outcomes and reduce overall healthcare costs. With this 20th playspace build, KABOOM! and Smile Generation are working to ensure every child has access to the resources they need to thrive. We are incredibly proud of this partnership and look forward to continuing to work together with Smile Generation to support many more kids and their communities. Together, we’ve engaged nearly 4,000 volunteers, worked across 17 cities in six states, and brought smiles to over 27,000 kids through play and comprehensive health care!
Volunteers at the ribbon-cutting for the 20th playground build with Smile Generation