As the nation observes National Children’s Dental Health Month, America’s ToothFairy is marking 20 years of work focused on strengthening access to oral health services for underserved children.
Founded in 2006 by Dr. Cherilyn Sheets in response to the U.S. Surgeon General’s call to address the “silent epidemic” of dental disease, the organization was established as a collaboration among clinicians, academic leaders, corporations, and community partners. According to the organization, its efforts have centered on strengthening nonprofit clinics and community organizations that deliver care and prevention services to children.
National health data cited by the organization indicates progress over time. Public health literature has historically estimated that dental disease once accounted for more than 50 million school hours lost annually. More recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that approximately 34 million school hours are still lost each year due to unplanned or emergency dental care.
Over two decades, the organization reports delivering more than $27 million in donated dental products, equipment, educational materials, financial support, and programming to nonprofit clinics and community organizations nationwide. According to the organization, more than 9.4 million youth have received dental care at clinics supported with its resources, and 15.9 million children, teens, and caregivers have received oral health education and prevention materials.
“National Children’s Dental Health Month is about prevention, education, and access — and that’s exactly where our work has focused for the past 20 years,” said Jill Malmgren, executive director of America’s ToothFairy. “This anniversary year is an opportunity to celebrate progress while also recognizing that many safety-net dental clinics are still rebuilding capacity after the pandemic. With the right partners, we can help more children get the care and education they need to stay healthy and succeed in school.”
The organization identified its Dental Resource Program as its top priority in 2026. The program supports 57 nonprofit clinics in 21 states by providing supplies and resources intended to help clinics serve children in communities with limited access to care. According to the organization, before the COVID-19 pandemic these clinics collectively reached more than 530,000 children annually. It reports that rising costs, workforce shortages, and reduced resources continue to affect service capacity.
Demand for prevention and education programs is also increasing. The organization’s Smile Guardian Program distributes oral health education kits to schools, Head Start programs, libraries, public health departments, family crisis services, food pantries, and other community organizations. According to the organization, more than 400 organizations are currently on a waitlist for the program.
“Our work has always been about strengthening the systems that support children’s health,” Malmgren added. “Corporate partners play a vital role in that effort. Whether through product donations, sponsorships, or employee engagement, their involvement helps extend the reach of care and education during National Children’s Dental Health Month and throughout the year.”
The organization reports that it holds a Platinum Seal of Transparency from Candid and a Four-Star rating from Charity Navigator. It is guided by a board of directors that includes leaders from dental and healthcare companies.
“I’m proud of our integrity, accountability, and long-term vision,” said Ann Bruck, board chair of America’s ToothFairy and representative of Solventum, which serves as a corporate underwriter. “America’s ToothFairy offers corporate partners a credible, measurable way to invest in children’s health and educational success—especially during a month dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of early and preventive dental care.”
Throughout National Children’s Dental Health Month and its 20th anniversary year, the organization is inviting corporations within and beyond the dental sector to explore partnership opportunities aimed at restoring and expanding access to oral health resources for underserved children. According to the organization, more information is available at AmericasToothFairy.org.
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