DentaQuest today announced a partnership with America’s ToothFairy to educate communities on the dangers of vaping.

Teens are vaping at an alarming rate. According to the CDC, as of 2020, 19.6% of high school students and 4.7% of middle school students vape. Although the long-term health effects of vaping are still being studied, there are many known adverse outcomes affecting teens’ developing brains and the health of their skin and mouths.

In response, DentaQuest is collaborating with America’s ToothFairy to build awareness of the consequences of vaping among teens and their parents during February, National Children’s Dental Health Month. The “What’s so Bad About Vaping?” initiative includes:

●      classroom presentations by DentaQuest’s community outreach coordinators

●      printed educational materials for students and parents

●      free online resources that include printable materials and a social media kit

●      an educational website, SayNo2Vaping.org

“E-cigarette devices were created to help smokers quit. Unfortunately, teens who might not have ever smoked are vaping because they believe it’s harmless,” said Jill Malmgren, executive director of America’s ToothFairy, a nonprofit organization that provides resources to increase access to dental care and oral health education programs. “We are especially grateful to DentaQuest for making this unique initiative possible. We aim to build awareness of the dangers of vaping not only on systemic health but also the increased risk of gum disease and tooth decay compared to kids who don’t vape.”

“The oral health community plays an important role in curbing smoking and the teen vaping epidemic. Providers not only serve as educators and support, but also help with early intervention for the many smoking-related diseases like cancer that may initially present in the mouth,” said Steve Pollock, president and CEO for DentaQuest. “We commend America’s ToothFairy for their leadership in educating teens and parents on the dangers of vaping, and together we are committed to providing people with the tools and resources they need to stay safe and healthy.”

In addition to information about systemic and oral health, the initiative also addresses nicotine addiction, the negative impact vaping has on one’s appearance, resources to quit, and tips for parents to help determine if their child is vaping and how to talk to teens about the dangers of vaping.

To learn more about the campaign and to access the free educational resources visit SayNo2Vaping.org.

About DentaQuest

DentaQuest is a purpose-driven health care company dedicated to improving the oral health of all. We do this through Preventistry® — our inclusive approach to quality care and expanded access built on trusted partnerships between patients, providers and payors. As one of the nation’s largest and most experienced Medicaid dental benefits administrators, we manage dental and vision benefits for more than 33 million Americans through a nationwide network of providers in all 50 states. Our outcomes-based, cost-effective dental solutions are designed for Medicaid and CHIP, Medicare Advantage, small and large businesses, and individuals. At the same time, we are expanding our footprint of more than 70 oral health centers in six states to deliver direct patient care in rural and underserved populations. Learn more at www.DentaQuest.com and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter.

About America’s ToothFairy: National Children’s Oral Health Foundation

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 $23 million in donated products, educational materials, and financial grants to improve oral health outcomes for children and youth in need. For more information, visit AmericasToothFairy.org.