Oral health, sun safety focus of consumer product campaign

ADA collaborates to inform parents, educators on importance of good oral health habits

School is back in session and the ADA is collaborating with the Consumer Healthcare Products Association to inform families about sun safety and oral health.

The campaigns, led by the consumer association’s Health In Hand Foundation, are designed to promote lifelong self-care habits among children, parents and educators. The initiatives are expected to reach more than 1.2 million students across the United States with support from Kenvue and Colgate-Palmolive and in collaboration with the ADA and The Skin Cancer Foundation.

The oral health initiative targets 750,000 elementary school students in rural communities and dental deserts across the United States, including Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi, Montana, Tennessee, Alaska, North Dakota, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey. 

This program emphasizes the link between oral and overall health, providing educators with lesson plans, student activities, and bilingual resources for parents. The goal is to establish strong daily oral care routines, especially in areas with limited access to dental care.

"As a dentist serving rural communities, I see families travel hours for care and sometimes lack access to basic items like a toothbrush or toothpaste," said Jessica Robertson, D.M.D., chair of the ADA Council on Advocacy for Access and Prevention. "That’s why oral health education is so important — reinforcing daily habits like brushing, eating a diet low in carbohydrates, and choosing protein-rich snacks can make a lasting difference. Programs like this help ensure every child, no matter where they live, has the tools to build a healthy smile."

The sun safety initiative will engage 450,000 elementary and middle school students. The program teaches critical sun-safe behaviors such as wearing sunscreen, seeking shade, and using sun-protective clothing and accessories.