Barry L. Hopper, D.D.S. received the DentaQuest Health Equity Hero Award

reprinted with permission from the Bristol Herald Courier

Barry L. Hopper, D.D.S. received the DentaQuest Health Equity Hero Award for his contribution for addressing health equity and oral health in his community. Hopper was one of seven dental professionals chosen in the nation for his work helping children in need and at risk in East Tennessee. Steven Brady of DentaQuest presented the prestigious award at the First District Dental Association Meeting in September.

Hopper’s patented pre-pasted toothbrush was given to 300 children in a local school for a two-year period where they learned why and how to brush their teeth. Children actively participated in the routine and began to understand that brushing their teeth after lunch was as important as washing hands before lunch. Hopper also participated in a study with the University of Tennessee that was published in the Tennessee Dental Journal in 2015.The program showed that children could learn to brush their teeth if they had the opportunity and education.

Hopper is a general dentist who works with the Sullivan County Health Dental Prevention Program, Friends in Need Clinic in Kingsport, and privately with Alamont Dental. He is also a Fellow in the Academy of General Dentistry, a Fellow of the Pierre Fauchard Academy, and will be inducted into the International College of Dentists in Denver this month. He is a graduate of the University of Tennessee College of Dentistry, and is a member of the Tennessee Dental Association and the American Dental Association.

The story of his tooth brush, “Brushing on the go” was in the August 19, 2013, edition of the Bristol Herald Courier written by Lurah Lowery.