Delta Dental of Tennessee Celebrates 60 Years with “60 Moments of Surprise Smiles” Campaign to Give Back to Communities Across the State
Delta Dental of Tennessee (Delta Dental) is marking a remarkable milestone — 60 years of helping Tennesseans maintain healthy smiles. To celebrate this achievement, the company is launching a yearlong campaign titled “60 Moments of Surprise Smiles,” designed to give back to communities across the state through acts of kindness, community engagement, and meaningful contributions. The initiative reflects Delta Dental’s enduring commitment not just to oral health, but to the well-being of the people and communities it serves.
Spreading Joy, One Smile at a Time
The “60 Moments of Surprise Smiles” campaign will unfold over the course of the year, featuring 60 surprise activations and moments of generosity in communities throughout Tennessee. From handing out hot chocolate on chilly mornings to unexpected giveaways and community celebrations, the initiative is focused on spreading joy, fostering connection, and celebrating the people who have made Delta Dental’s six decades of service possible.
“Reaching our 60th anniversary is a true milestone for Delta Dental, and we couldn’t think of a better way to celebrate than by spreading joy across the state we’re proud to call home,” said Jeff Ballard, President and CEO of Delta Dental of Tennessee. “These moments are about more than giving out treats — they’re about reminding our communities that a healthy smile goes hand in hand with kindness, connection, and joy.”
By designing the campaign around small but impactful moments, Delta Dental hopes to highlight the everyday ways in which smiles can improve lives, build relationships, and strengthen communities. Each activation, large or small, is intended to surprise, delight, and remind Tennesseans of the value of oral health as part of overall well-being.
Kickoff Event: Volunteering and Giving Back
Delta Dental officially kicked off the campaign on September 20, coinciding with the company’s 60th anniversary. Employees spent the afternoon volunteering at the Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee, where they assisted with food distribution and other community services. In addition, Delta Dental surprised the nonprofit’s longtime volunteer coordinators with gifts as a token of appreciation for their dedication to the organization and the broader community.
Shortly after the volunteer event, winners of the recent Delta Dental & Friends Dinner and Golf Tournament, which benefits St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, received a surprise announcement: a $6,060 donation in their names would be made to St. Jude. These early activations exemplify the spirit of the “60 Moments of Surprise Smiles” campaign — thoughtful gestures that combine community involvement with meaningful contributions to causes that matter to Tennesseans.
Innovative Community Contributions
Beyond volunteer efforts and monetary donations, Delta Dental’s campaign includes tangible contributions to support families and children across the state. One highlight is the donation of a specialized chair, known as a “kangaroo chair,” which will be installed at Regional One Health in Memphis. This chair is designed to support parental care in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs), enhancing comfort for both babies and their parents during critical early stages of life.
In addition, Delta Dental has contributed books to restock the Book ‘Em Book Bus, a traveling library program that brings books to children in communities across Tennessee. These contributions reflect Delta Dental’s holistic approach to community engagement, combining health, education, and well-being into a single, comprehensive campaign.
“For 60 years, Delta Dental has been committed not just to oral health, but to the well-being of the people and communities we serve,” said Missy Acosta, Senior Vice President, Brand Experience at Delta Dental of Tennessee. “This campaign gives us the opportunity to thank Tennesseans for trusting us for the last 60 years, while celebrating the everyday moments that make life brighter.”
A Legacy of Community Support
Delta Dental of Tennessee’s commitment to giving back extends far beyond its anniversary celebrations. Since 1999, the company has contributed over $78.3 million to oral health initiatives and community organizations through its corporate philanthropy efforts and the Smile180 Foundation. Additionally, Delta Dental has distributed more than one million toothbrushes to children and families across the state since 2003, helping to ensure that dental hygiene education and resources reach communities that need them most.
Through partnerships with over 2,900 dentists statewide and coverage for more than 1.5 million members, Delta Dental has played a pivotal role in supporting oral health care access in Tennessee. The “60 Moments of Surprise Smiles” campaign builds upon this legacy, offering a highly visible and interactive way to thank communities and reinforce the importance of oral health as part of overall wellness.
Engaging Tennesseans Across the State
Delta Dental plans to share each of the 60 moments on its social media channels, including @DeltaDentalTN, using the hashtag #DeltaDental60. Tennesseans are encouraged to follow along as surprise activations unfold throughout the year. From small, thoughtful gestures to larger community contributions, the campaign aims to create a sense of shared celebration and connection among residents statewide.
“This is more than just a campaign — it’s a celebration of our communities, our members, and the relationships we’ve built over six decades,” said Ballard. “We want Tennesseans to see how something as simple as a smile, or a small act of kindness, can brighten someone’s day and strengthen our communities.”
Highlighting Early Successes
The campaign’s early initiatives have already made an impact. From volunteer activities at Second Harvest Food Bank to donations supporting St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Delta Dental’s actions have demonstrated the power of giving back. The installation of the kangaroo chair in Memphis and the restocking of the Book ‘Em Book Bus will also bring tangible benefits to children and families across Tennessee. These efforts set the tone for the remaining moments of surprise and ensure that each activation aligns with Delta Dental’s mission of promoting oral health, wellness, and community engagement.
