Most dentists never get a chance to become a team dentist for a major professional sports team. Many do not have the opportunity to be more than a speaker to a local sports organization or a team dentist for a local high school team. However, there are many opportunities for all of us to effectively educate, protect, and treat the athletes in our dental practice and the athletes in our community.

As our own children and the athletes in our practices get involved in organized sports this year, it is important for us as dentists to take a more active role in encouraging these players in all age groups to wear the proper protective equipment to prevent orofacial injuries on the playground and in organized sporting events.

The other element that we as healthcare professionals is to properly educate our patients and athletes on the detrimental effects of soda and energy drinks on our teeth.