The Iditarod and Kjell Inge Rokke introduce IditaHealth’s “Smiles for Miles,” bringing preventive pediatric dental care
to rural trail communities
The Iditarod Trail Committee on Tuesday announced the launch of IditaHealth: Smiles for Miles, a community-driven pediatric dental wellness initiative that will deliver preventive care, oral health education and hygiene supplies to elementary schoolchildren in rural Iditarod checkpoint communities.
Smiles for Miles will begin alongside the 2026 Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race and is designed as a sustainable, long-term program organized by the Iditarod Trail Committee in partnership with long-time Iditarod volunteers, local community leadership and Tribal Health partners. The program is made possible thanks to a significant donation from the race’s first Expedition Musher, Norwegian businessman and philanthropist Kjell Inge Røkke.
“Smiles for Miles is one way to show appreciation to Iditarod trail communities that have supported the race for generations, ” said Inge Røkke. “It’s my hope that this program can deliver meaningful health benefits in return, helping to ensure that every child along the trail will grow up healthy and pain-free.”
The initiative’s first phase consists of planning, volunteer recruitment, supply delivery and coordination throughout 2026 to support a series of fall community dental clinics in rural trail communities. The clinics will provide screenings and dental sealants that help prevent cavities, along with oral health education and hygiene kits including toothbrushes and fluoride toothpaste.
Smiles for Miles supports the State of Alaska’s Healthy Alaskans 2030 goals by expanding access to preventive services such as sealants, which can reduce cavities by up to 80%. Dental decay remains among the most common and preventable childhood health challenges, particularly in rural areas where access to care can be limited.
Program director Dr. Jodie Guest, professor and senior vice chair in the Department of Epidemiology at the Rollins School of Public Health, has volunteered with the Iditarod for nearly two decades.
“I am incredibly excited to help launch Smiles for Miles, an initiative designed to help ensure that every child in Alaska has access to dental sealants,” Guest said. “This program represents what matters most — meeting communities where they are, strengthening health equity and supporting the well-being of Alaska’s children for generations to come.”
