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

PR Newswire

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.

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SOURCE Sun Life U.S.