"High School Musical's" Corbin Bleu Joins Colgate-Palmolive, United Way and Miami-Dade Elementary School Students for Dental Health...( Colgate Dental Van to Provide Stu...),Health

Colgate Dental Van to Provide Students with Free Dental Screenings,

Treatment Referrals and Oral Health Education

MIAMI, Nov. 8 /PRNewswire/ -- A national campaign to promote good oral health habits enlisted new recruits today when more than 250 Coconut Grove Elementary School students joined Colgate-Palmolive Company and United Way at the Boys and Girls Clubs of Miami for a lively game-show themed dental challenge that featured music, prizes, costumed characters, and "High School Musical" star and recording artist Corbin Bleu. A Colgate mobile dental van, one of a fleet of eight "clinics on wheels" that the company sponsors around the U.S., was also on hand to provide students with free dental screenings, treatment referrals and oral health education.

Recently released figures from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention indicate that the percentage of Americans with untreated tooth decay began rising this decade, reversing nearly fifty years of improvement in dental health. In Florida, access to care and shortages of resources are also adversely affecting the overall oral health of many residents.

The dental health challenge is part of a public commitment Colgate's Bright Smiles, Bright Futures program made in 2002 to reach 100 million children in the United States by 2010 with free dental screenings, treatment referrals and oral health education. By the end of 2008, the company will be more than three-quarters of the way to reaching its goal.

Against a vibrant backdrop of banners and balloons, teen sensation Corbin Bleu joined Dr. Marsha Butler, Colgate's Vice President, Global Oral Health and Professional Relations, in hosting a game-show competition in which the audience, divided into teams, was quizzed on best practices for maintaining good oral health. Correct answers were rewarded "Deal or no Deal" style to each member of the team.

"When you think about meeting people at your school, in your neighb
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