Sunstar Introduces "SmileScan" in First-Ever Collaboration with Local Government Nationwide; Begins Providing Oral Care Habit Formation Service to Yamanashi Prefectural Employees, etc.

Sunstar Group (hereinafter Sunstar) provides the dental health support service "SmileScan," developed by Doctorbook Inc., to companies and organizations. In a collaborative initiative with Yamanashi Prefecture and the Yamanashi Dental Association, Sunstar will begin offering this service to the Local Government Employees' Mutual Aid Association, Yamanashi Prefectural Branch, which includes Yamanashi Prefectural employees, starting in mid-July 2026.

Sunstar, Yamanashi Prefecture, and the Yamanashi Dental Association signed a collaboration agreement in February 2023 and have since provided services such as fluoride mouthwash for children's cavity prevention, oral frailty awareness activities for seniors, and public lectures for residents. However, Yamanashi Prefecture has a higher prevalence of periodontal disease among those aged 20 and over compared to the national average, and low dental check-up rates for those in their 20s and 50s*1. Efforts were particularly needed for the working population, whose risk of periodontal disease increases from their 30s onwards.

Therefore, as an initiative to promote oral health among the working population, the service "SmileScan," which supports oral care from awareness to habit formation, will be introduced in Yamanashi Prefecture. The target audience comprises approximately 600 members of the Local Government Employees' Mutual Aid Association of Yamanashi Prefecture who fall within the age groups eligible for free dental check-ups: 30, 35, 45, 55, and 65 years old. Previously, the service has been primarily utilized by corporations, making this the first introduction of "SmileScan" to a public institution.

This service supports users in establishing oral care habits through features such as viewing an "Awareness Seminar" by dental hygienists, a three-month app program for self-checking periodontal health, the "Smile Care Coaching" habit formation program, and a point system for daily oral care actions like brushing and dental check-ups.

Upon service commencement, users will receive Sunstar's toothbrushes, liquid toothpastes, interdental cleaners, and disclosing tablets that color plaque red. This aims to prompt users to review their brushing habits by making them aware of missed spots and to promote the use of less frequently used interdental cleaners and liquid toothpastes.

The initiative aims to improve dental visit rates and promote oral health by comprehensively supporting users from information provision to habit formation of care behaviors.

Through the analysis of service usage and user surveys in this initiative, Sunstar plans to examine more effective ways of supporting oral health and utilize the findings for future service and policy improvements. Sunstar will continue to collaborate with partner organizations and companies to promote overall health starting from oral health.

*1 The 2nd Yamanashi Prefecture Oral Health Promotion Plan (March 2024)

["SmileScan" Program Details]

1. Oral Care Awareness Seminar by Dental Hygienists

The seminar by dental hygienists provides knowledge and know-how on the importance of oral care and how to maintain it continuously.

2. "SmileScan" App

The "SmileScan" app is equipped with various functions to support users' continuous oral care. Features like "My Type Check," which analyzes brushing habits and lifestyle to suggest optimal care, and an online questionnaire-based "Periodontal Self-Check" allow users to understand their current oral care status. It then provides knowledge and know-how through videos and e-learning on oral care tailored to each user's oral condition. Furthermore, it encourages habit formation through programs that award points for recording daily oral care actions such as brushing, using interdental cleaners, and visiting the dentist.

For service details, please visit the website: https://jp.sunstar.com/smile-scan/

[Initiatives of the Three-Party Collaboration Agreement between Yamanashi Prefecture, the Yamanashi Dental Association, and Sunstar]

Since the agreement was signed in 2023, initiatives have been promoted with a focus on the oral health of prefectural residents. These include promoting fluoride rinsing for children, raising awareness about preventing oral frailty for seniors, and holding public lectures and events for residents on the connection between oral and overall health, as well as oral care during disasters. Comprehensive activities are being conducted with the aim of extending the healthy life expectancy of residents.

[About Sunstar Group]

Sunstar Group, centered around its holding company Sunstar SA (Switzerland, Etoy), is a corporate group with core companies Sunstar Suisse SA (Switzerland), which globally oversees consumer products and services such as oral care, health foods, and cosmetics, and Sunstar Singapore Pte. Ltd. (Singapore), which globally oversees industrial products and services such as adhesives and sealants for automobiles and construction, and metal processed parts for motorcycles and automobiles.

100 years of mouth, 100 years of health

In an era of 100-year lifespans, Sunstar aims for overall health and a fulfilling life, starting with oral health. Oral care, such as daily brushing habits, protects not only oral health but also overall health. To eat, speak, and laugh for 100 years. We want everyone to value oral care to live a brilliant and fulfilling life, each in their own way. We aim to contribute to extending people's healthy life expectancy by continuing to deliver information, services, and products that contribute to overall health, starting with oral health.