“Realizing the vital connection between good oral health and overall health, the Delta Dental Health Theatre (DDHT) provides interactive presentations, exhibits and programming in order to promote good oral health and overall healthy life habits for children and adults.”

In support of our mission the Delta Dental Health Theatre provides innovative educational techniques focused on the importance of dental health and the mouth-body connection that affects overall health. Including:

1) An interactive 45 minute program facilitated by a health educator
2) Age appropriate dental health video, which provides an explanation of nutrition, diet and exercise as related to oral health and healthy life habits.
3) Interactive hands on exhibits that allow children to play and discover healthy lifestyle techniques. Includes "Color My Plate" initiative Farmers Market, Cardinals Care Healthy Library corner, Interactive dental office, and opportunity for children to stretch and exercise.

The Delta Dental Health Theatre offers a unique blend of fun, entertainment and education to promote healthy life-choices. Our guests enjoy an interactive 45 minute program, that includes an educational video, and interactive games and discussions, that educate and inspire children and families to take care of their smiles and to adopt a healthy lifestyle.

Children love this experience. While they are learning and being inspired, be assured, we are covering some very important information. Did you know that the leading childhood disease sweeping our nation today is tooth decay? 53% of all 6-8 year old children have tooth decay. In addition, recent science suggests that their may be a relationship between good oral health and good overall health.

Another important topic for education – eating right and exercising. Several aspects of the program touch on eating right for a healthy smile and a healthy body. Since the 1970’s, according to the Institute of Medicine, childhood obesity has doubled for children age 2 to 5, and those age 12 to 15. Childhood obesity has tripled for children age 6 to 11. At present, over 9 million children over age 6 are obese.

According to the Institute of Medicine, the greatest factors impacting a person’s health are attitude and lifestyle. These factors are more influential than access to care, genetics or environment. Thus, we want to help educate children and adults to have the right attitudes and habits to help ensure their best smile and their best health.


The Dental Community The Delta Dental Health Theatre was founded and led by dental professionals since its inception in 1977. Area dentists and educators continue to lend their expertise and support to our programming and services.

Delta Dental of Missouri In addition, our primary, permanent partner, Delta Dental of Missouri, serves as an invaluable resource and is considered as a regional and national leader in the dental industry.

Dedicated Staff Our Executive Director, Shannon Woodcock, is an experienced non-profit manager and also an actress. She brings a unique blend of skills to help build a coalition of interested sponsors who wish to educate and inspire our youngest citizens to lead healthy lives. Prior to joining the Delta Dental Health Theatre (in 2008) she worked as a development officer for St. Louis University’s Center for Advanced Dental Education (CADE).

Finally, our two educators bring to the table strong teaching and theatrical skills, Mary, as a former public school teacher and Alice, and experienced youth and nonprofit professional. We are pleased to have such a strong, diverse, and dedicated team.

New Corporate Sponsors Recently, we have benefitted from new and valued sources of support, including the American Dental Association, Cardinals Care, and The Dana Brown Charitable Trust.