Delta Dental of Tennessee held the fifth annual Kids Dental Day on Friday, July 10, 2026, at First Horizon Park in Nashville, and for the first time paired free dental screenings and cleanings with new shoes and socks through a new partnership with the nonprofit Soles4Souls. Organizers expected more than 500 children from Middle Tennessee nonprofits to attend, supported by more than 100 volunteers, according to cityCURRENT and Delta Dental of Tennessee.
- More than 500 youth from Middle Tennessee nonprofits were expected to attend the July 10, 2026 event, supported by over 100 volunteers (Source: cityCURRENT, June 2026).
- Soles4Souls has distributed more than 112 million pairs of shoes and clothing items across 139 countries since 2006 (Source: Delta Dental of Tennessee press release, March 2026).
- Delta Dental of Tennessee covers 1.8 million lives statewide and donated more than 5 million dollars to over 110 organizations in 2025 (Source: Delta Dental of Tennessee press release, March 2026).
What Is Kids Dental Day and Who Runs It?
Kids Dental Day is an annual, free community dental event for children in Middle Tennessee, organized by Delta Dental of Tennessee together with the Nashville Sounds and cityCURRENT. Held each summer at First Horizon Park, the Nashville Sounds' downtown ballpark, the event brings dental screenings, cleanings, and school-readiness resources to children referred through youth-serving nonprofits, before the start of the school year.
What Changed for the 2026 Event?
The 2026 edition, the fifth annual Kids Dental Day, added Soles4Souls as a first-time partner, giving every participating child a new pair of shoes and socks alongside their dental care. Children also received free books through the Book 'Em literacy program, snacks, and hands-on activities from PBS Kids, the American Red Cross, the Adventure Science Center, the American Heart Association, and the Colgate Bright Smiles Bright Futures program. Dental services were delivered by Neighborhood Health, Meharry School of Dentistry, South College, LINKS INC., and Hope Smiles, according to cityCURRENT's June 2026 event listing.
How Many Children Has Kids Dental Day Reached Over the Years?
Kids Dental Day has grown each year since it launched, moving from a few hundred children to an expected 500 plus in 2026, with services expanding from dental care alone to include shoes, books, and health education.
| Year | Edition | Reported reach | New addition |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 3rd annual | More than 400 children (Business Wire, July 2024) | Shoes via Samaritan's Feet |
| 2025 | 4th annual | Hundreds of children (Delta Dental of Tennessee, July 2025) | Continued shoe and hygiene kit distribution |
| 2026 | 5th annual | More than 500 expected (cityCURRENT, June 2026) | New shoe partnership with Soles4Souls |
Why Does a New Pair of Shoes Matter at a Dental Health Event?
Organizers say pairing dental care with new shoes addresses two barriers families face before school starts at once: unmet health needs and the cost of basic school-ready gear. Soles4Souls President and CEO Buddy Teaster said of the partnership, "When kids feel comfortable, confident, and supported, it opens doors for better health and stronger school engagement." Delta Dental of Tennessee has framed the event around the fact that tooth decay is among the most common chronic conditions of childhood, and that untreated dental problems can affect a child's ability to concentrate and attend school.
Who Else Is Involved in Organizing the Event?
Beyond the dental and shoe partners, Kids Dental Day's 2026 supporters included Signature Transportation, United Way, Kroger, OneGen, Henry Schein, and Dunkin, according to cityCURRENT. Nashville Sounds General Manager and Chief Operating Officer Adam English said, "New shoes are a big point of pride for all kids who participate." Delta Dental of Tennessee President and CEO Jeff Ballard credited the event's growth to its partners, saying, "Kids Dental Day has been driven by strong partnerships and shared commitment."
Where Can Middle Tennessee Families Find Free or Low Cost Dental Care Year Round?
Kids Dental Day is a single day of free care, but Middle Tennessee families who need dental coverage or a regular dentist the rest of the year can look to community health partners like Neighborhood Health, or to established pediatric and family practices. Families in other states researching a dentist for their child before the school year can browse verified pediatric dentists like Happy Teeth Pediatric Dentistry in Martin, Tennessee, listed on Smile Listing, and see our earlier roundup of free back-to-school dental events opening across the country this summer.
How Can a Family Get Involved or Attend Next Year?
Kids Dental Day is organized through referrals from youth-serving nonprofits rather than general public walk-up registration. Organizations and volunteers interested in future participation are directed to KidsDentalDay.com, according to the event's June 2026 listing on cityCURRENT. Delta Dental of Tennessee's full announcement of the 2026 date and the Soles4Souls partnership is available in its March 2026 press release.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Kids Dental Day 2026 held?
Kids Dental Day 2026 was held on Friday, July 10, 2026, at First Horizon Park in Nashville, Tennessee.
Is Kids Dental Day open to the general public?
No. Children attend through referrals from youth-serving nonprofits and organizations in Middle Tennessee, not through open public registration.
What services do children receive at Kids Dental Day?
Children receive free dental screenings and cleanings, new shoes and socks through Soles4Souls, free books through Book 'Em, snacks, and health-focused activities from partners including PBS Kids and the American Heart Association.
Who organizes Kids Dental Day?
Delta Dental of Tennessee organizes the event with the Nashville Sounds and cityCURRENT, alongside dental providers Neighborhood Health, Meharry School of Dentistry, South College, LINKS INC., and Hope Smiles.
Updated July 2026.
