A preventive dental mindset and the pursuit of optimal oral health

October 07, 2025

As Sun Life's Chief Dental Officer, I'm excited to share our latest white paper on the transformative power of preventive dental care. In today's fast-paced world, it's easy to overlook the importance of oral health. However, oral health is a cornerstone of overall health and well-being.

As Sun Life's Chief Dental Officer, I'm excited to share our latest white paper on the transformative power of preventive dental care. In today's fast-paced world, it's easy to overlook the importance of oral health. However, oral health is a cornerstone of overall health and well-being.

Did you know these facts?

  • Tooth decay is the most common chronic disease in children and adults in the US.1
  • By age 8, over half of children in the US have had a cavity in their primary teeth and one in six children ages 6-11 have had dental caries in their permanent teeth.2
  • Left untreated, Early Childhood Caries can lead to numerous social and systemic health issues including oral/facial abscess, failure to thrive, missed school days, and even cause disturbances in brain development.3
  • Almost half of adults aged 30 years and older have some form of gum disease.4
  • Poor oral health is linked to increased risks of heart disease and complications from diabetes.5,6

These startling facts underscore the critical need for a shift in how we approach dental care.

Click here to explore practical strategies for fostering a lifelong preventive dental mindset, from early childhood through adulthood. You'll also learn about interventions like dental sealants and other preventive treatments. Sun Life is committed to working collaboratively with oral health professionals, clients, members, and community stakeholders to support a preventive dental mindset. Let's embark on this journey to improve the oral health of all.

Dr. Todd Gray, Chief Dental Officer at Sun Life U.S.

Download the white paper

1. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services – Healthy People 2030

2. National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research

3. NIH National Library of Medicine – National Center for Biotechnology Information

4. NIH National Library of Medicine – NIH Medline Plus Magazine

5. Harvard Health Publishing, Harvard Medical School

6. American Diabetes Association

This article is meant to provide general information only. It’s not professional medical or legal advice, or a substitute for that advice. Product offerings may not be available in all states and may vary depending on state laws and regulations.

Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada, Wellesley Hills, MA. For New York group policies: Sun Life and Health Insurance Company (U.S.), Lansing, MI.

#1746888659 09/25 (exp.09/26)