Sunstar Collaborates with Yamanashi Prefecture to Launch SmileScan Oral Care Program

Sunstar's Introduction of SmileScan in Yamanashi

Sunstar Group has taken a significant step towards improving oral health by introducing the innovative service, SmileScan, in collaboration with Yamanashi Prefecture and the Yamanashi Dental Association. Scheduled to launch in mid-July 2026, this initiative aims to provide local government employees with essential oral care habits and preventive measures.

In February 2023, Sunstar partnered with Yamanashi Prefecture and the Yamanashi Dental Association, establishing a cooperative agreement to tackle oral health challenges. Their joint efforts have included the distribution of fluoride mouth rinses for children and educational initiatives aimed at raising awareness about oral frailty among the elderly. Despite these efforts, statistics indicate that the incidence of periodontal disease in individuals over 20 years old in Yamanashi is higher than the national average, and dental check-up rates among those in their 20s and 50s remain alarmingly low. This highlights the pressing need for targeted oral health initiatives, particularly among the working population in their 30s and beyond.

To address this situation, SmileScan will serve as a comprehensive support system promoting oral health awareness and habits among approximately 600 eligible members aged 30, 35, 45, 55, and 65 within the Local Government Employees Mutual Aid Association of Yamanashi Prefecture. This program marks the first introduction of SmileScan in a public sector setting, having previously been available mainly to corporate clients.

Comprehensive Support through SmileScan

The SmileScan service includes a range of components designed to firmly integrate oral care habits among users. Participants will have access to:
1. Oral Care Awareness Seminars: Led by dental hygienists, these seminars will emphasize the importance of oral care and impart essential knowledge and techniques for ongoing dental health maintenance.
2. The SmileScan App: This app features various tools to support users in maintaining consistent oral care. It includes personalized care suggestions based on the user’s brushing habits and lifestyle, self-check options for periodontal issues, and educational materials in the form of videos and e-learning modules specific to their oral health conditions.
3. Incentive Programs: Users can accumulate points for engaging in oral care actions like daily brushing, using dental cleaning tools, and attending dental check-ups. This gamification element aims to reinforce positive dental habits.

Initially, participants will receive essential oral care products such as toothbrushes, liquid mouth rinses, interdental cleaners, and a color tester to highlight areas missed during brushing. This approach intends to enhance awareness regarding oral hygiene and motivate users to incorporate less commonly used dental tools into their routines. By comprehensively addressing oral care from information dissemination to behavior establishment, Sunstar aspires to increase dental check-up rates and promote overall oral health among users.

Future Goals and Collaborative Efforts

In line with this initiative, Sunstar plans to analyze the service usage patterns and survey results from participants to explore more effective methods for oral health support. Insights gained from this data will be instrumental in improving future services and initiatives. Sunstar remains committed to collaborating with partner organizations and enterprises, focusing on enhancing health and wellness by prioritizing oral health as a critical component of overall wellbeing.

Conclusion

The SmileScan program’s launch represents a paradigm shift in public health, shifting the focus to proactive oral health management. As Sunstar continues to advocate for oral health to foster better overall health, they strive to contribute to the extension of healthy life expectancy among individuals. In an era where maintaining health is becoming more crucial, embracing daily oral care is not just about hygiene but about enabling people to enjoy life to the fullest. By ensuring that oral health is at the forefront of health initiatives, Sunstar aims to empower individuals to lead vibrant, healthy lives for a century.

For more information on SmileScan, visit Sunstar's official website.