Since 2020, the partnership has supported the mobilization of $15.6 million in donated oral health care delivered to veterans who are elderly, disabled, or medically fragile with life-changing dental careWASHINGTON, Nov. 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- In honor of Veterans Day, Delta Dental is proud to recognize our ongoing commitment to helping ensure our nation's veterans have access to the oral health care they need through our partnership with Dental Lifeline Network.Over the last five years, Delta Dental companies across the country have contributed nearly $850,000 to DLN's Lifeline Heroes Challenge to improve comprehensive dental care for veterans in need. These contributions have supported the mobilization of $15.6 million in donated oral health care delivered to veterans, according to DLN

Now in its 26th year, the poll reveals the Tooth Fairy provides practical benefits for both children and adults. More than 1 in 3 parents (34%) say the Tooth Fairy visits are a positive way to instill good oral health habits, and nearly 1 in 5 (18%) claim the Tooth Fairy's generosity is contingent on their child's dental hygiene. Further, about 1 in 4 parents (22%) believe the tradition helps teach their children about the value of money.In addition, the poll finds the Tooth Fairy is welcomed into approximately 8 in 10 (78%) U.S. homes, and more than 1 in 4 children (27%) go to bed early when they have a lost tooth in anticipation of the Tooth Fairy's arrival."Not only is the Tooth Fairy a time-honored tradition in most homes across the country, but she is an ally for parents to help children develop proper oral hygiene habits," said Gabriella Ferroni, Senior Director, Strategic Communications, Delta Dental Plans Association. "Delta Dental continues to track Tooth Fairy giving as a playful way to educate children about the importance of good oral health, which supports overall health."Additional key findings from the 2024 poll include:Fostering celebration and imaginationAbout half of parents (51%) feel the Tooth Fairy visits give their child something to be excited about and an opportunity to celebrate (47%).More than 1 in 3 parents (34%) believe the Tooth Fairy visits help foster their child's imagination.Tooth Fairy giving drops for first time in 5 yearsThe average value of a single lost tooth during the past year declined by 6% from $6.23 to $5.84 .to. The Tooth Fairy is tightening her purse strings in celebration of the loss of a first tooth, with the average value dropping from $7.29 to $7.09 over the past year.The worth of a lost tooth and the economyHistorically, the Original Tooth Fairy Poll® has typically mirrored the economy's overall direction, tracking with the trends of Standard & Poor's 500 Index (S&P 500)