DentaQuest's Dr. Damien Cuffie Recognized in NDA's 40 Under 40 Awards

Q: What is Dr. Cuffie's role at Sun Life's DentaQuest and his major accomplishments?

Dr. Cuffie serves as dental director in Louisiana for DentaQuest . His accomplishments include working with Medicaid and CHIP populations, serving at an HIV outpatient dental clinic, and spending over 10 years as an Army dentist reaching the rank of Major.

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DentaQuest, a part of Sun Life U.S. (NYSE:SLF), announced that Dr. Damien Cuffie, their dental director in Louisiana, has been named among the National Dental Association's (NDA) "40 Under 40" honorees for 2025. The recognition highlights Dr. Cuffie's significant contributions to oral healthcare, particularly his work with special populations.

Dr. Cuffie's achievements include serving Medicaid and CHIP populations through DentaQuest, working at an HIV outpatient dental clinic, and dedicating over a decade as an Army dentist where he reached the rank of Major. The award was formally announced at the NDA's annual convention on July 12, 2025.

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07/14/2025 - 10:30 AM

The award demonstrates his meaningful commitment to improving oral healthcare among special populations

WELLESLEY, Mass., July 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- DentaQuest, part of Sun Life U.S., has announced Dr. Damien Cuffie, dental director in Louisiana, was named one of the National Dental Association's (NDA) 2025 "40 Under 40" honorees.

This prestigious recognition celebrates the nation's top dentists under the age of 40 who have demonstrated outstanding achievements, leadership and a deep commitment to community service. The recipients represent a wide array of dental careers, including private practice, government service, academia and corporate roles.

"It speaks volumes that one of our clinical leaders has gained national recognition for dedicating himself to values that align with our mission to improve the oral health of all," said David Healy, president, Sun Life U.S. Dental. "This honor underscores Dr. Cuffie's remarkable dedication to the dental profession and his ongoing efforts to improve access to oral healthcare for Louisiana's underserved communities."

NDA selected Dr. Cuffie for his passionate focus on special populations, including his work with DentaQuest focused on Medicaid and CHIP populations, clinical work with an HIV outpatient dental clinic, more than a decade of service as an Army dentist - where he attained the rank of Major, and efforts with the Veteran Affairs Office of Community Care Dentistry.

"I am deeply honored to be recognized by the NDA, and I share this achievement with my colleagues, mentors and the communities we serve," Dr. Cuffie said. "Throughout my career, I have worked to combine my clinical expertise with my passion for improving health equity, and this recognition reaffirms the importance of creating a more inclusive and accessible dental system for all."

The NDA formally announced the "40 Under 40" honorees during its annual convention on July 12.

About DentaQuest
Sun Life U.S. Dental, which includes DentaQuest, is dedicated to improving the oral health of all through purpose-driven, outcomes-based solutions. We make dental benefits better for everyone through Preventistry^® – an inclusive approach centered on preventive, quality care, expanded access and solutions built on valued relationships across the health care ecosystem. We manage dental and vision benefits for approximately 35 million Americans. For 30 years, we have delivered cost-effective benefit plans and services for employer groups, individuals, health plans, and government-sponsored dental programs. We are the largest Medicaid and CHIP dental benefits administrator in the U.S., by membership. We also support direct patient care through an expanding network of approximately 75 dental practices in underserved communities across the United States. Learn more about Sun Life U.S. Dental at sunlife.com/dental and dentaquest.com.

Direct Media Inquiries to:
Maya Linson
maya.linson@improvingoralhealth.com
202-794-3738

FAQ

Who is Dr. Damien Cuffie and what award did he receive from NDA in 2025?

Dr. Damien Cuffie is DentaQuest's dental director in Louisiana who was named one of the National Dental Association's '40 Under 40' honorees for 2025, recognizing top dentists under 40 for their achievements and community service.

What is Dr. Cuffie's role at Sun Life's DentaQuest and his major accomplishments?

Dr. Cuffie serves as dental director in Louisiana for DentaQuest. His accomplishments include working with Medicaid and CHIP populations, serving at an HIV outpatient dental clinic, and spending over 10 years as an Army dentist reaching the rank of Major.

How does Dr. Cuffie's recognition align with DentaQuest's mission?

The recognition aligns with DentaQuest's mission to improve oral health for all, particularly through Dr. Cuffie's dedication to serving underserved communities and special populations in Louisiana.

When and where was the NDA '40 Under 40' award announced for 2025?

The National Dental Association formally announced its '40 Under 40' honorees during its annual convention on July 12, 2025.