Sharks Foundation and Healthier Kids Team Up for Free Dental Care in Bay Area Schools

A new partnership between the Sharks Foundation and Healthier Kids Foundation is bringing dental care to Bay Area children. The collaboration kicked off with a dental health event at Lowell Elementary School in San Jose. A $40,000 grant will fund screenings and education for young students over the next school year. The Sharks Foundation and Healthier Kids Foundation recently held a dental health activation at Lowell Elementary School. Attendees included Sharks staff, community partners, and San Jose District 3 Councilmember Anthony Tordillos. S.J. Sharkie, the team's mascot, visited two second-grade classrooms, handing out hygiene kits and beanies while students received free dental screenings.

The event marked the launch of a $40,000 Community Assist Grant for the Dental First program. This initiative will provide dental screenings and oral health resources to around 1,600 Bay Area students aged 5-12 during the 2025-26 school year. The grant will also expand screening visits, improve case management, and boost outreach efforts.

In March, coinciding with National Children's Dental Health Month, an educational tutorial featuring S.J. Sharkie will debut. The video will teach children essential oral health habits. Jenné Johnson, Sharks Foundation Director of Operations, highlighted concerns about limited access to dental care for many local children.

The partnership aims to support youth health and well-being in the Bay Area. Both organisations share a goal of ensuring students have the tools they need to thrive in school and beyond. The grant will fund screenings, education, and outreach for thousands of young students next year. An upcoming tutorial with S.J. Sharkie will reinforce healthy habits. The collaboration between the Sharks Foundation and Healthier Kids Foundation is set to make dental care more accessible for children in the region.