2025 DDAM Downloadable Materials
March is Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month–a national observance dedicated to raising awareness about the experiences of people with developmental disabilities. In an effort to further our mission of ensuring a healthy smile for all, the Dental Trade Alliance Foundation is working with other organizations to highlight President Reagan’s 1987’s designated Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month by providing easy-to-use marketing materials to raise awareness on this vastly unmet need in oral health care and connecting to the work of leading organizations in the space.
With nearly one-third of children with disabilities having untreated cavities and a shocking 6.5 million people with different disabilities in the US unable to access the oral care they need, it’s time to break down these barriers. Join us in advocating for change this March by using our resources and amplifying this message.
This Year’s Theme
Each year, the DTA Foundation selects a theme to emphasize the importance of Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month (DDAM) in our marketing efforts. This year’s theme, “Building Inclusive Smiles,” highlights the power of collaboration in breaking down barriers to oral healthcare and creating a more inclusive future. Join us in raising awareness this March by incorporating these materials into your social media efforts and helping us spread the message of accessibility, inclusion, and healthier smiles for all.
Explore the 2025 Marketing Materials Showcasing this Year’s Campaign!
More Resources
Join the efforts with one of our campaign colleagues or other advocates in the field and utilize their resources to deepen your understanding and expand your impact within the disabled community.
- Smiles for Life Foundation: People with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) face several barriers that prevent them from accessing dental care. Special Olympics and the Smiles for Life Foundation have partnered to provide oral healthcare services to Special Olympic Athletes. Together, we will help increase awareness, engagement and growth of a “new” work force of caring, clinicians who can provide dental treatment to Special Olympics athletes. Health Managers will identify patients in need, and will facilitate the referral and scheduling of patients to your practice. Click here for their website.
- All Smiles Shine Campaign and their Partners: With its administrative home at the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine, Project Accessible Oral Health is a global public-private partnership and the first to nationally assemble and connect dental and medical professionals, corporations, organizations, policymakers, educators, people with disabilities, caregivers, and other stakeholders in pursuit of equal access to culturally competent oral healthcare. Click here for their website.
- America’s ToothFairy: Millions of children are without access to dental services and face ongoing health consequences as a result, including untreated tooth decay and other, more intensive dental needs. As a resource provider, America’s ToothFairy increases access to oral health care by supporting nonprofit clinics and community partners delivering education, prevention and treatment services for underserved children. Click here for their website.
- PDS Foundation: The Pacific Dental Services® Foundation has three main programs: Special Needs Dentistry, Dental Assistant Scholarships and International Service Trips. Through these programs, they have been able to increase access to oral healthcare for communities across the globe. Click here for their website.