National Children’s Dental Health Month (NCDHM) turns 60 this year. NCDHM began as a one-day event in Cleveland, Ohio on Feb. 3, 1941. The American Dental Association (ADA) held the first national observance of Children’s Dental Health Day on Feb. 8, 1949. This single day observance became a week-long event in 1955. In 1981, the program was extended to a month-long celebration known today as National Children’s Dental Health Month.
Each February, since 1949, the ADA has sponsored the month to raise awareness among families and policymakers about the importance to children of good oral health habits. During this month, dental professionals across the country will focus on the preventive oral care of this nation's children.
The Michigan Dental Association and its 26 local dental societies take great pride in celebrating National Children’s Dental Health Month. Dentists throughout the state conduct oral health screenings and provide educational programs in schools and for community organizations.
In Michigan, it is expected that more than 15,000 children throughout the state will receive free oral health screenings or dental treatment, and an additional 9,000 children will receive oral health education as part of the Give Kids a Smile campaign. More than 400 members of the Michigan Dental Association, along with 1,200 hygienists, assistants and volunteers will participate in Give Kids a Smile day this year.
“Oral health is such an important part of a child’s overall good health, and yet it can be overlooked in young children, said Michigan Dental Association President Joanne Dawley, D.D.S. “Good oral health habits should begin with an introductory dental visit before a child’s first birthday. Children’s teeth are meant to last a lifetime, and with proper care, a healthy diet and regular dental visits, children can have a lifetime of health smiles.”
In San Jose, California, Dr. Kim Loos will be leading the effort with educational and fun presentations to kindergarteners and first graders. One of the topics Dr. Loos will discuss is the first visit to the dentist. Dr. Loos will show a short cartoon that explains visits to the dentist and have a show and tell session with educational materials.
On February 9 (5-8 pm), the South Carolina Dental Association will partner with the EdVenture Children’s Museum and offer Family Night-dental screenings. Museum is located at 211 Gervais Street in Columbia, South Carolina. Admission to the Museum on Family Night is $1. The SCDA will conduct screenings and distribute goodie bags to the children being screened.
On February 18, Boston University Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine’s (GSDM) chapter of the American Association of Women Dentists (AAWD) brings its Childworks program to Rosie’s Place, a shelter for poor and homeless women. Children and their moms, use their “dental passports” to tour interactive stations about brushing and flossing, the negative effects of tobacco, tooth protectors, the importance of regular dental visits, and eating healthy for good oral health. A full passport earns a dental goody bag at the end of the trip.
For additional free or low cost programs during February, contact your local area dental association.
Sources:
http://www.ada.org/prof/events/featured/ncdhm.asp
www.drloos.com
http://www.scda.org/
http://www.edventure.org/calendar/calendar.aspx
http://www.aap.org/oralhealth/ncdhm.cfm
http://www.smilemichigan.com/Classroom/NationalChildrensDentalHealthMonth.aspx
http://dentalschool.bu.edu
MC Ortega is the former publicist for the late Walter Payton and Coca-Cola. Ortega is a senior communications and messaging executive specializing in media relations, social media, program development and crisis communications. Also, Ortega is an avid traveler and international shopper. Ortega resides with her partner, Craig, dog, Fionne and extensive shoe collection. Ortega also enjoys jewelry design/production and flamenco dancing.