APhA Foundation aims to promote the importance of oral health via America's ToothFairy partnership

WASHINGTON — As part of its ongoing exploration of how pharmacists can engage in interdisciplinary efforts to promote oral health, the American Pharmacists Association Foundation has teamed up with America’s ToothFairy: National Children’s Oral Health Foundation.



“With more than 250 million people passing through the doors of a community pharmacy every week, we believe that pharmacists can play an important role in promoting oral health and preventing tooth decay,” said Benjamin Bluml, APhA Foundation SVP, research and innovation.



Throughout the month of February, National Children’s Dental Health Month, America’s ToothFairy will hold its second annual Smile Drive — a national campaign to collect toothbrushes, toothpaste, floss and rinse for at-risk children. In February 2014, more than 430,000 oral care products were collected and delivered to children in need, helping address one of the most prevalent chronic childhood illnesses in the United States — pediatric dental disease. The APhA Foundation encourages pharmacies to participate by registering on the America’s ToothFairy web site, which also provides a downloadable promotional toolkit.



“Many people are not aware how closely linked oral health is with your general health,” said Mindy Smith, APhA Foundation executive director. “Our partnership with America’s ToothFairy is a significant opportunity to impact families across the country by raising awareness of untreated oral disease as a leading health concern for children.”



“We are proud to partner with the American Pharmacists Association Foundation, recognizing the critical role of pharmacists in the health and well-being of children and their families,” said Fern Ingber, America’s ToothFairy president and CEO. “We believe that the expansion of our Smile Drives into pharmacies will emphasize the importance of preventative care and positive oral health behaviors.”