National Children's Dental Health Month

February 2012 marks the 63rd Anniversary of National Children’s Dental Health Month. The American Dental Association (ADA) held the first national observance of Children's Dental Health Day on February 8, 1949 to raise awareness about the importance of oral health. In 1955 the one day observance became a weeklong event. In 1981 it was extended to a month-long celebration known today as National Children's Dental Health Month (NCDHM). Through the NCDHM program the ADA works with dentists, dental offices, communities, nonprofit organizations, State and local government organizations and schools to promote dental care awareness.

Dental Health Month Activities

Here are some examples of how dentists and dental health professionals have commemorated National Children's Dental Health Month to to raise awareness about the importance of oral health.

Decatur, Illinois
Care to more than 300 underprivileged and uninsured children 18 and younger. To commemorate National Children’s Dental Month 30-plus Decatur area dentists dedicated one day to provided cleanings, fillings, extractions and crowns to uninsured and underprivileged children. The dentists provided more than $35,000 worth of dental care. Dr. Bret Jerger, one of the dentists participating in the event stated: “A lot of kids are apprehensive when they come in, and then they walk out with a huge smile and their toy bag. That’s the best thing by far. We hope to start up good patterns for dental care for the rest of their lives; it’s a lot better, and less expensive to do preventative care than fillings and extractions." National Childrens Dental Month. (Courtney Klemm, “Area dentists donate time, services, Herald & Review, Decatur, Illinois, February 3, 2007, p. A5)

Bangor, Maine
First Born Baby Contest. To commemorate National Children’s Dental Health Month the first-born infant in each in the County received a gift basket that included infant oral hygiene products, prizes and information. The objective of the program was promote development of good oral hygiene habits at an early age and promote the scheduling of regular dental visits in order to help children get a positive start on a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums. (“County group focuses on youth dental health,” Bangor Daily News, Fort Kent, Bangor, Maine, February 7, 2009, p. 3)

New Orleans, Louisiana
Events at local mall and Children’s Museum. Children’s Dental Health Month event activities included Tooth Fairy performer to greet children, puppet show as well as distribution of information about oral hygiene and tooth care giveaway items. (“Health,” The Times-Picayune, New Orleans, Louisiana, January 29, 2004, p. 09)

Richmond, Virginia
Giant tooth brush. To commemorate Children’s Dental Month and draw attention to dental hygiene, dental aide students at the Richmond Technical Center constructed a 12-foot high toothbrush — one they believe is the largest in the world. (“A Mouthful,” Richmond Times-Dispatch, Richmond, Virginia, March 9, 1986, p. H-8)

State of Iowa
I-Smile 'Give Kids a Smile" events featuring free oral screenings held throughout the State. In conjunction with the goals and ideals of National Children’s Dental Health Month, Iowa Dept. of Public Health (IDPH) promoted its I-Smile program to assure that children receive “early and regular care, including education, screenings, preventive services, and treatment.” Throughout the month of February dozens of I-Smile "Give Kids a Smile Event" activities were held across the state. Volunteer dentists, dental hygienists, dental assistants and students provided free oral screenings, dental exams and fluoride varnish applications. Various fun activities were hosted and prizes awarded. “We've seen a phenomenal increase in important preventive dental services among children since I-Smile began,” said IDPH Oral Health Bureau chief, Dr. Bob Russell. "More than 41,350 children received dental care coordination last year." (“February National Children's Dental Month,” Iowa Department of Public Health, Des Moines, Iowa, February 4, 2009)

Suburban Chicago area
Dentist office tours. To commemorate National Children’s Dental Month, Grayslake, Illinois dentists invited children to take tours of their office during the months of February, March and April. Tours were designed to provide a first-hand view of dentistry, provide children the opportunity to ask questions in a non-threatening setting, encourage prevention and motivate children to form good habits early. At the end of each tour children were given toothbrushes and plaque-disclosing tablets that show the areas of their teeth that need better brushing. (Laurie Aucoin, Daily Herald Staff Writer, “Dentists host tours to educate children, Daily Herald, Arlington Heights and Grayslake, Illinois – Chicago metro area, February 16, 1999, p. 1)

Greensboro, North Carolina
Dental Health Fair and jointly sponsored community dental education activities. The Guilford County Department of Public Health, Guilford County Dental Society and Dental Auxiliary, and Guilford Technical Community College's (GTCC’s) dental hygiene students sponsored an annual interactive learning program, which focuses on dental health. The program was targeted at kindergartners enrolled in the Guilford County schools. Participants were provided with information on dental sealants, healthy snacks and dental visits and exams. In addition, a Dental Health Fair was held which included displays from the North Carolina Division of Dental Health with GTCC's dental hygiene students. The Guilford County Department of Public Health, the Guilford County Dental Society and others hosted contests, learning activities and provided treats for children. (“Groups Plan Activities For Dental Month,” Greensboro News & Record, Greensboro, North Carolina, January 29, 1997, p. 8)

Murrieta, California
Free dental exams for children under 13. During the month of February free dental exams for children under age 13 were provided by Dr. Donald Schiess in the Riverside, California communities of Murrieta and Temecula. In addition to a free exam, children received a toothbrush and certificate for french fries from McDonald's. (“Community Notes,” Temecula-Murrieta, California, The Press-Enterprise , Riverside, California, January 25, 1995, p. B06A)

Aberdeen, Maryland
Public service campaign promoting children’s dental health to military families. Dental clinics serving soldiers at the U.S. Army’s Aberdeen Proving Ground marked National Children’s Dental Health Month with a "A Healthy Smile is Always in Style!" campaign reaching out to soldier’s children. For each week in February an article concerning children's dental health was published in the APG News. The goal of the program was for parents to use this information to promote the prevention of cavities in children's teeth. Topics such as flossing, brushing and diet were covered. Contact Lt. Col. Colleen C. Shull, commander, APG Dental Clinic Command 410-278-1795. (“Recognizing Children's Dental Month,” US Fed News Service, Including US State News, Aberdeen, Maryland, Baltimore, Maryland metro area, February 2, 2006)

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