<h1 style="text-align: center; bottom-margin: 2rem">Team Work Makes the Dream Work</h1>

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It’s a slam dunk when champion athletes partner with the ADA! Through their efforts to promote dental health care across communities, these superstars shine a light on the importance of oral health. Their commitment goes beyond the playing field, making a significant impact on public health awareness and education.

This ADA archival collection, also featuring materials from member associations, delves into the remarkable ways sports stars have participated in dental philanthropy. It showcases the collaboration between dental organizations and both professional and semi-professional athletes. From educational campaigns to community outreach programs, these partnerships have been instrumental in bringing essential oral health knowledge and resources to the public.

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<h3>Gale Sayers (left), the famous Chicago Bears halfback, has a dental napkin placed around his neck by ADA staff member Dr. Luella Cosca as he prepares to take part in the production of a health education film at the ADA headquarters building in 1967.</h3>

<p style="font-size: .8em; margin-bottom: -1rem; text-align: right"><i>Image courtesy of United Press International</i></p>

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NODA News - Tipoff to Children's Dental Health Month (2008)

NODA News - Tipoff to Children's Dental Health Month (2008)

ADA News - Olympic champion Carly Patterson spreads the word about Give Kids A Smile (2005)

ADA News - Olympic champion Carly Patterson spreads the word about Give Kids A Smile (2005)

ADA News - Ice storm can’t chill GKAS spirits in Ohio (2011)

ADA News - Ice storm can’t chill GKAS spirits in Ohio (2011)

ADA News - TeamSmile program offer Fresno kids dental care, football and fun (2007)

ADA News - TeamSmile program offer Fresno kids dental care, football and fun (2007)

JMDA - COVID-19 Heroes: From Skis to Face Shields (2022)

JMDA - COVID-19 Heroes: From Skis to Face Shields (2022)

News release: Boston Celtics receive certificate for service to children's dental health (1975)

News release: Boston Celtics receive certificate for service to children's dental health (1975)

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<h2 style="margin-left: 1em; margin-bottom: -.5rem">ADA Materials</h2>

<p style="margin-bottom: -1rem"><b><a href="https://adanews.ada.org/ada-news/2021/december/university-of-kentucky-football-player-fends-off-decay-in-pediatric-dentists-christmas-video"><b>University of Kentucky football player fends off decay in pediatric dentist's Christmas video</b></a></b></p>

<p>In this article from ADA News, University of Kentucky defensive end Josh Paschal assists local pediatric dentist Daniel Steckler, D.M.D. to help communicate the importance of oral health with impressive results.</p>

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<p style="margin-bottom: -1rem"><b><a href="https://adanews.ada.org/ada-news/2022/october/always-looking-for-the-man-in-the-yellow-hat"><b>Always looking for the ‘man in the yellow’ hat</b></a></b></p>

<p>From ADA News, Former NFL wide receiver for the Detroit Lions and retired astronaut Leland Melvin gives inspirational keynote during the 2022 SmileCon in Houston.</p>

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