Humana is strengthening its commitment to community health by joining forces with TeamSmile, a national nonprofit dedicated to improving children’s oral health. Through a collaboration that also includes Humana Healthy Horizons, the company is helping deliver essential dental care to children who often face serious barriers to treatment. The partnership focuses on reaching young patients who may otherwise go without routine dental services due to cost, access, or lack of available providers.
In 2025 alone, 30 Humana associates volunteered more than 200 hours to support TeamSmile events held in different parts of the country. These efforts helped nearly 800 children receive dental care at three large-scale community events.
Volunteers assisted with logistics, supported dental professionals, and helped create a welcoming environment for families.
Their involvement extended beyond a single day of service and reflected a broader commitment to long-term community impact.
A key part of this effort is the TeamSmile Dental Home Project, which is powered by DentaQuest. The program goes beyond one-time care by connecting at-risk children with ongoing dental resources. Each child is linked to a dental “home,” often a provider who accepts Medicaid or offers services at no cost to TeamSmile participants. This approach helps ensure continuity of care and reduces the likelihood that children will fall through the cracks after an initial visit. By focusing on long-term access, the program addresses one of the most persistent gaps in pediatric oral health.
John McCarthy, executive director of TeamSmile, emphasized the shared mission behind the partnership. He noted that Humana’s involvement goes beyond financial support. According to McCarthy, the company’s associates actively contribute their time and skills, which helps bring the TeamSmile model to life. He highlighted that meaningful change depends on people who are willing to serve, and said Humana’s teams have demonstrated a genuine commitment to children in need.
Humana’s collaboration spans multiple departments, reflecting a coordinated approach to improving health outcomes. The company brings together its expertise in dental care and its experience serving Medicaid populations, which often have complex health and social needs. This alignment allows Humana to make a more targeted and effective impact. TeamSmile, which has delivered more than $20 million in free pediatric dental care since it was founded in 2007, shares this vision and provides a proven platform for outreach.
One of TeamSmile’s defining features is its use of sports to create positive and engaging experiences. Events are often hosted at professional sports venues, where children can meet athletes, interact with mascots, and enjoy activities like dancing and face painting. This festive atmosphere helps reduce fear and anxiety around dental visits. While having fun, children receive services that range from cleanings to restorative care, such as fillings or crowns. They also learn basic oral hygiene habits and take home toothbrushes and other supplies.
Humana serves as a national sponsor for TeamSmile and has supported events linked to major teams, including the Kansas City Chiefs, the Arizona Cardinals, and the New Orleans Saints. Michelle Hart, associate vice president for strategy advancement in dental network development at Humana and a TeamSmile board member, said the collaboration reflects a shared goal of building healthier communities. She noted that improving children’s oral health can have a lasting effect on their overall quality of life.
Nestor Morillo, director of individual specialty dental and vision sales at Humana, manages the company’s relationship with TeamSmile and volunteered at all event sites. He said seeing children smile and gain confidence reinforced the value of the partnership. For Humana, the work reflects its mission to deliver a more human approach to healthcare—one child and one smile at a time.