As the young athletes in our practices become involved in organized sports or recreational activities, it is important for dentists to take a proactive role and encourage parents of these kids to wear proper protective equipment to prevent oral injuries. Dentists must educate themselves and their young patients about the prevention of such injuries. Prevention is an obligation of dentistry as well as a critical patient responsibility. Safe sports participation should be the goal of any sports program and the dental profession should enthusiastically work to achieve this goal in every community.