The L.A. Trust Tooth Fairy Event returns with smiles, screenings, and celebration
Maryjane Puffer leading the Tooth Fairy Pledge with assistant fairies Esther Yepez and Lola Park
More than 3,500 students, families, and community members gathered on Saturday, May 10, at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum for LAUSD’s “Move It!” Health and Wellness Festival and 5K. As a featured component of the event, The L.A. Trust’s Tooth Fairy initiative brought oral health providers, community partners, and plenty of smiles to the celebration.
The L.A. Trust’s Tooth Fairy Event offered free dental screenings, education, and giveaways in celebration of National Dental Care Month. On the Health and Wellness Festival main stage, Executive Director Maryjane Puffer, L.A.’s unofficial Tooth Fairy, led the Tooth Fairy Pledge, joined by assistant fairies Senior Program Manager Esther Yepez and Lola Park, daughter of The L.A. Trust Board President.
“Despite the heat, the energy was incredible,” said Esther Yepez. “Families showed up, partners stepped up, and together we delivered essential dental screenings and shared vital oral health information with the community. It was a powerful reminder of what we can achieve when we come together.”
A high school student receiving a free dental screening
This year’s event was especially meaningful, marking the first Tooth Fairy Event since 2020, when it was last held before being paused due to the COVID-19 pandemic. After a four-year hiatus, the return of the event signaled more than just a celebration; it represented a renewed commitment to community health and connection. Being back in person allowed families to once again access vital oral health resources in a festive, family-friendly setting, a reminder of the importance of caring for the whole child, starting with a healthy smile.
Festivalgoers took advantage of free dental screenings coordinated by The L.A. Trust and delivered by dedicated providers from South Central Family Health Center, Smile Dental Services, and USC Neighborhood Dental. These partners generously donated their time and expertise to ensure that hundreds of children received preventive care and were connected to follow-up services as needed. Additional health services, such as blood pressure testing, were offered by UCLA.
The L.A. Trust Tooth Fairy Event was proudly supported by sponsors including DentaQuest, Big Smiles Dental, Delta Dental, LIBERTY Dental Plan, Blue Shield of California Promise Health Plan, Health Net, and Center for Oral Health. Additional sponsors included California Credit Union, Terri Keville, Patterson Dental Company, and First Citizens Bank.
Tooth Fairy Lola Park
The day also featured a special reading of Otter the Potter for children, led by The L.A. Trust team. After the 5K run-walk, attendees joined a high-energy Zumba session and explored fitness and nutrition activities throughout the venue. LAUSD provided free meals for children, with healthy snacks available for all. Families also enjoyed live entertainment, heartfelt Mother’s Day tributes, and booths celebrating the achievements of the Class of 2025. College Signing Day exhibits hosted by UC and California State University campuses as well as private schools inspired future graduates and highlighted academic opportunity.
As the event concluded, one message rang clear: oral health is community health. With renewed energy and growing partnerships, The L.A. Trust remains committed to bringing vital care directly to the families who need it most, one smile at a time.
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