DentaQuest, part of Sun Life U.S., recognizes and celebrates National Children’s Dental Health Month, a time when oral health professionals, health care providers and educators work together to promote the benefits of good oral health to children and their support systems. Though the February observance is almost over, DentaQuest will continue support for and celebration of the ongoing, important work to promote children’s oral health beyond the annual observance.
In alignment with its commitment to oral health education and expanded access to care, DentaQuest recently announced the latest national campaign in partnership with America’s ToothFairy to raise awareness about oral health disparities in marginalized communities and steps to close the gap. The campaign includes free, downloadable educational materials for students and parents, a free social media kit for oral health advocates, an educational website, ShareYourSmileCampaign.org and a joke contest for kids to share smiles with others throughout the month.
DentaQuest also supports community-based organizations that are already reaching people in need. For example, Whiz Kids, an Oklahoma City-based tutoring and mentoring program works to reduce the opportunity gap for students through one-on-one literacy support. This year, DentaQuest is helping kickoff Whiz Kids’ oral health literacy initiative to teach the important connection between oral health, literacy and reaching success in adulthood. In Los Angeles County, DentaQuest is supporting the Brush it Up campaign of the Los Angeles Trust for Children’s Health. This weeklong peer-to-peer project is focused on dental health awareness and engaging children with videos, challenges, and social media.