To commemorate its 55th anniversary, Delta Dental of Tennessee has announced a new grant program to replace existing water fountains at 55 elementary schools across the state with Elkay bottle-filling stations.

Providing access to drinking water throughout the school day gives students a healthy alternative to sugary beverages like soda and sports or juice drinks. Drinking plenty of water can help combat obesity, increase energy levels and may improve students' cognitive functions. Further, if fluoridated, drinking water also plays an important role in preventing cavities.

"Our mission at Delta Dental is very simple: ensuring healthy smiles. And that starts with educating children about the importance of taking care of their teeth at a young age," said Dr. Phil Wenk, CEO and president of Delta Dental of Tennessee. "Drinking more water, especially fluoridated water, is good for your teeth and good for your overall health, and using a refillable water bottle is good for the environment. I am excited to celebrate our 55th anniversary by sharing this important message with students across Tennessee over the coming months."

All Tennessee elementary schools are encouraged to apply ahead of the April 17 deadline. To apply, interested schools should:

l Go to tennessee.deltadental.com/wcs for more information and to complete the online application.

l Create a short video highlighting how water is good for your health and teeth, why your school needs the bottle filling station, or what makes a healthy smile.

l Share that video on social media with the hashtag #WatersCoolTN and include a link with their grant application.

l Include photographs of the current water fountain that the school would like to replace, which will help inform the installation process for selected schools.

The 55 selected schools will receive a water bottle filling station, including installation, and toothbrushes for all students. Ten schools will also win a pep rally with Delta Dental's Ambassador of Smiles, Marshall Molar, and water bottles for every student and staff member.

Grant announcements will be made during National Drinking Water Week (May 3-9, 2020). The water bottle filling stations will be installed over summer break at all 55 winning schools, and the pep rallies at the 10 selected schools will be scheduled for when school resumes in fall 2020.

"Water's Cool @ School" grant applications are open through April 17 at tennessee.deltadental.com/wcs.Grant offers bottle stations for elementary schools