It is time to recognize the many health and community leaders who worked tirelessly to ensure equity in access and care during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond. DentaQuest, a purpose-driven oral health care company dedicated to improving the oral health of all, today announced that it is designating July 13 as Health Equity Day.
On July 13, DentaQuest will announce its 2021 Health Equity Heroes. DentaQuest’s Health Equity Hero program encourages partners and individuals across the country to nominate people who promoted equity in health and wellness during the past year. DentaQuest will use social media to highlight the 2021 Health Equity Heroes and the significant work they have done. Everyone in the community is encouraged to join in and honor their own Health Equity Heroes Tuesday, July 13 on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn using the hashtag #HealthEquityHeroDay.
“This pandemic has illuminated and exacerbated the deep inequities that exist in our medical, behavioral and oral health care systems,” said DentaQuest CEO Steve Pollock. “Thankfully, there are leaders across the broad spectrum of care who are committed to breaking down problematic barriers to care and access. These heroes inspire us every day at DentaQuest, and it’s why we created Health Equity Hero Day to recognize and thank them for their incredible work and dedication. We hope others will join in and celebrate the Health Equity Heroes in their communities on this day as well.”
In the U.S. health system, more than 74 million Americans do not have access to dental coverage, three times the number of people who are not medically insured. Overall health begins in the mouth, and access to dental care is critical to preventing millions of Americans from experiencing poor health outcomes due to untreated dental disease, including increased risk of high blood pressure, diabetes, poor respiratory health and more.
During the past seven years, DentaQuest has raised awareness of health equity issues and showcased changemakers by recognizing leaders across the country as Health Equity Heroes for their exemplary efforts to make our health systems accessible and equitable for all. DentaQuest awards $5,000 in the name of each hero to a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing health equity.
A full list of 2021 DentaQuest’s Health Equity Heroes will be announced on Health Equity Hero Day.
ABOUT DENTAQUEST
Sun Life U.S. Dental, which includes DentaQuest, is dedicated to improving the oral health of all through purpose-driven, outcomes-based solutions. We make dental benefits better for everyone through Preventistry® – an inclusive approach centered on preventive, quality care, expanded access and solutions built on valued relationships across the health care ecosystem. We manage dental and vision benefits for approximately 32 million Americans. For more than 30 years, we have delivered cost-effective benefit plans and services for employer groups, individuals, health plans, and government-sponsored dental programs. We are the largest Medicaid and CHIP dental benefits administrator in the U.S., by membership. We also support direct patient care through an expanding network of more than 70 dental practices in underserved communities across the United States. Learn more about Sun Life U.S. Dental at Sunlife.com/dental and DentaQuest.com.
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