As children across the country stay close to home to help prevent the spread of COVID-19, America’s ToothFairy is helping them make good use of their time by learning about the prevention of tooth decay. The superhero-themed, Oral Health Action HERO Challenge, begins today and runs through August 15, 2020. During the campaign, kids will complete five educational missions to learn how to defeat the villain, “The Evil DK (Decay)”, and keep their smiles healthy.

The campaign was developed after COVID-19 lockdowns brought most in-person group instruction and educational projects to a halt. Since the HERO Challenge can be completed by children at home, essential lessons that help kids prevent the consequences of tooth decay can continue. All participants who complete the missions will receive recognition as “Oral Health Action Heroes” and the first 25 kids to submit a video about what they learned will receive a prize package that includes a t-shirt, activity book and more. Three finalists will be selected to compete in an online voting program to determine who defeats “The Evil DK (Decay)” and wins the Champion Crystal trophy.

“Prevention of tooth decay through education is a major component of our mission,” said America’s ToothFairy Executive Director Jill Malmgren. “The HERO Challenge campaign enables children to safely learn about oral health in a fun way at home. We are excited to see the creative videos the kids make to show what they’ve learned while participating in the missions. The videos will help spread awareness about the importance of oral health and how to prevent cavities.”

The campaign is made possible by a donation from DentaQuest, which has also been a long-time sponsor of America’s ToothFairy’s HERO Scout Patch initiative. “We are thrilled with this creative new campaign and excited that it’s open to all children,” said Steve Pollock, CEO of DentaQuest. “During this global health crisis, DentaQuest has been working hard to meet oral health needs across the country. This partnership with America’s ToothFairy is a wonderful opportunity for self-directed learning that puts prevention first. The lessons the children learn during the missions will help keep them and their families healthy today and, we hope, will lead to healthy choices in the future—all key aspects of our Preventistry approach.”

Kids must register online to participate and receive their mission instructions. More details about the campaign and how to register is available at AmericasToothFairyKids.org.

About America’s ToothFairy

As a resource provider, America’s ToothFairy increases access to oral health care by supporting nonprofit clinics and community partners delivering education, prevention and treatment services for underserved children. Since its inception in 2006, America’s ToothFairy has distributed more than $21 million in donated products, educational materials and financial grants to improve oral health outcomes for children and youth in need. For more information, visit www.AmericasToothFairy.org.

About DentaQuest

DentaQuest is a purpose-driven oral health care company dedicated to improving the oral health of all. We do this through Preventistry® – our all-in approach to better care, expanded access, value-based financing, and innovative solutions. We manage dental and vision benefits for 27+ million Americans and provide direct patient care through our network of more than 80 oral health centers in 6 states. We provide outcomes-based, cost-effective dental solutions for Medicaid and CHIP, Medicare Advantage, small and large businesses, and individuals nationwide. And, we've invested more than $200 million in grants and programs to achieve measurably healthier communities across the country. By advancing prevention-focused oral health, we will achieve better overall health for everyone. Learn more at www.DentaQuest.com and follow us on Twitter @DentaQuest, Facebook www.facebook.com/DentaQuest, Instagram @Inside_DentaQuest, and LinkedIn www.linkedin.com/company/DentaQuest.