To kick off the new school year and raise awareness about good oral health, the Delta Dental Foundation is offering $5,000 in field trip grants for area students to visit Inside the Grin at Cincinnati Museum Center’s Duke Energy Children’s Museum.

The newly-opened exhibit was funded, in part, by a $55,000 grant from the Delta Dental Foundation, and is a partnership between the Junior League of Cincinnati’s GrinUp! signature project, and Cincinnati Museum Center.

“Good oral health is closely linked to overall health and school and life success. That’s why teaching children at an early age about taking care of their teeth and mouths is so important,” said Teri Battaglieri, Director for the Delta Dental Foundation. “We are proud to partner with Cincinnati Museum Center in order to give thousands of children an outlet to learn about oral health in a fun and enriching setting.”

Schools eligible for the field trip grants include those within Cincinnati Public Schools where 60 percent or more of students are eligible for free and reduced price lunch in kindergarten through fourth grade. Grant funding covers admission to the museum and transportation. Educators can visit www.deltadentaloh.com/insidethegrin to fill out an application through October 15. Selected schools will be notified by the end of October.

About Inside the Grin

Inside the Grin allows visitors to step inside a giant mouth to learn more about proper oral health and polish up on their dental knowledge. Students can use giant floss and a massive toothbrush to practice proper flossing and brushing techniques, learning healthy habits through play. The inside of the mouth is modeled after a dentist office, complete with reclining dentist’s chair, child-safe dental instruments and interactive videos. The exhibit presents oral health care in a positive way that eases children’s fears and misconceptions about visiting the dentist and caring for their smiles.

“Inside the Grin combines authentic tools and thorough research with brilliantly creative whimsy to help children and adults overcome fears and discover the importance of good oral health,” said Elizabeth Pierce, President and CEO of Cincinnati Museum Center. “Through the generosity of the Delta Dental Foundation, we have an opportunity to have a positive impact on a tremendous number of children.”

About Delta Dental Foundation

The Delta Dental Foundation is a nonprofit, charitable organization established in 1980, which serves as the philanthropic arm of Delta Dental of Michigan, Ohio, Indiana and North Carolina. The Foundation is dedicated to improving the oral health of the public and to advancing dental science through education and research. For more information, visit www.deltadentalmi.com.

About Cincinnati Museum Center

Cincinnati Museum Center (CMC) at Union Terminal is a nationally recognized institution and national historic landmark. Dedicated to sparking community dialogue, insight and inspiration, CMC was awarded the 2009 National Medal for Museum and Library Service from the Institute of Museum and Library Services and received accreditation from the American Alliance of Museums in 2012. CMC is one of a select few museums in the nation with both of these honors, making it a unique asset and a vital community resource. Union Terminal has been voted the nation’s 45th most important building by the American Institute of Architects. Organizations within CMC include the Cincinnati History Museum, Duke Energy Children’s Museum, Museum of Natural History & Science, Robert D. Lindner Family OMNIMAX® Theater and Cincinnati History Library & Archives. Recognized by Forbes Traveler Magazine as the 17th most visited museum in the country, CMC welcomes more than one million visitors annually. For more information, visit www.cincymuseum.org.