Mexican Students for Healthy Smiles - CEIPIDI Inauguration

The visit to Internado Cruz Gálvez marked the official launch of a nationwide oral health prevention program in partnership with the Colegio de Dentistas de Hermosillo. This initiative aims to reach all elementary school children from first to third grade with free dental education, as well as the distribution of toothbrushes and toothpaste sponsored by Colgate. As part of this national effort led by the Fundación ADM—the outreach arm of the Asociación Dental Mexicana—the Colegio de Dentistas de Hermosillo was selected to implement the program locally in 200 schools, representing approximately half of all elementary schools in Hermosillo.

The Hermosillo Dental Student Association partnered with CDH to inaugurate the program through this first intervention, delivering oral health education sessions and distributing hygiene kits directly to children. A total of 18 HDSA students, 12 students from the Universidad de Sonora, and 15 experienced dental professionals collaborated in the activity, demonstrating a strong model of intergenerational teamwork. The event was attended by key leaders, including Oralia Espinoza, President of CDH; Froylán Gámez, Secretary of Health of Sonora; César García, representing the university; André Vega, President of HDSA; and Patricia Juárez, head of Fundación ADM.

A highlight of the event was the participation—and official introduction in the city—of Toothie the Beaver, who engaged directly with children to promote proper toothbrushing habits in a fun and memorable way. This visit not only inaugurated a large-scale preventive program, but also set the tone for continued collaboration between professional organizations, students, and public institutions to improve oral health outcomes across the region.