America’s ToothFairy Partners with Sun Life and DentaQuest

America’s ToothFairy Partners with Sun Life and DentaQuest. Image credit: © America's ToothFairy

America’s ToothFairy, Sun Life, and DentaQuest are highlighting oral health disparities and the importance of healthy smiles during Oral Health Month this June, according to a press release from the groups. As millions of people in the U.S. do not have or struggled with access to dental care, this partnership was created to provide education and resources. This is particularly important for those in rural or remote areas, individuals with special health care needs, indigenous communities, people of color, and migrant populations that face significant barriers to dental care, leading to higher rates of dental disease and poorer overall health.

"Chances are, the first thing you notice about someone is their smile. However, not everyone has a smile they’re proud to share. Together, we can build awareness of dental health inequities, the effect is has on children as they grow, and actions people can take to help," said Jill Malmgren, executive director of America’s ToothFairy, in the press release.

Malmgren added, "Kids can get lax with their dental hygiene routine during the summer. Our Share Your Smile campaign aims to help kids stay on track with their dental hygiene habits and encourages teens to consider careers in dentistry to support marginalized communities where children often grow up with higher rates of poor oral health."

The Share Your Smile Campaign will offer a variety of resources, including free educational resources, a free social media kit to advocate for oral health, and oral health habit trackers for children. Key points made in the campaign include smiling’s impact on life, why children may lack access to dental care, dental career information, and the long-term effects of poor dental health.

"DentaQuest is committed to helping everyone access the dental care they need to be healthy," said Steve Pollock, president of DentaQuest, part of Sun Life U.S. "We are proud to partner with America’s ToothFairy once again to raise awareness about the importance of oral health—especially in children—and to help bring about meaningful change in communities that need it most."

To learn more about the campaign and access free educational resources, visit ShareYourSmileCampaign.org.