Adopt a smile! is a non-profit project in which we want to inspire dental care providers to adopt a Food Bank in the area for at least one year (4 donations). 

In the Netherlands there are 172 food banks and more than 500 locations where food and other products can be collected. In total, more than 30,000 children use the Food Bank. It is becoming difficult for more and more people to keep their heads above water. This is partly due to rising inflation and declining purchasing power, which means that pressure on food banks is increasing. The organization is therefore preparing for a significant increase in demand for oral care products.

In April 2022, the initiators Saskia Den Hartog and Lisette Van Der Harst of Smiles.World launched their project 'Adopt a smile!' transferred to the Ivory Cross after years of tireless efforts; “We hope to help even more children who are dependent on the food bank in the Netherlands.”

Together we can provide a healthy smile for every child!

In the meantime, more than 90 practices have signed up for the project and 10,000 children receive a toothbrushing package every quarter! In this way, the dental care provider is committed to society and can improve the oral health of this group of children through prevention. We also want to make oral care more accessible for young people with this project. After all, every child is born with healthy teeth. We must try to keep it that way, especially with this target group.

Each toothbrush package consists of a toothbrush and a tube of (children's) toothpaste. Of course you can put together a nice package per age group from your own stock and add instructional material. It is also useful to use a card with address details to make it clear who the donation came from and to point the way to your practice. Parents often do not know that dental care up to the age of 18 is reimbursed by basic insurance.

Are you looking for a way to make a difference in the lives of children and families who depend on the food bank? Register now via adopteereenglimlach@ivorenkruis.nl. We will then look for which food bank in your area could use help. Together we make the difference.

Window stickers available
To make your participation visible, we have a transparent Adopt a smile! develop a window sticker. A certificate showing that you participate in the project and support the Food Bank. The window sticker consists of the logo with the subtitle 'A healthy smile for every child'.
A sticker (15×15 cm) can be ordered in the Online store of the Ivory Cross for €10 (non-members) / €7.50 (member price) excl. VAT.
Go to the webshop, 'posters'.