National Children’s Dental Health Month takes place every February and strives to help children get a good start on a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums.
This year marks the 75th year of the observance so it is the perfect time to get involved.
Here are six fun ways to participate in NCDHM:
- Offer school presentations – A classroom visit is the cornerstone of many NCDHM programs. Get free posters and stickers from the Wisconsin Dental Association (414-755-4110) and loan out educational items like a mouth model and DVDs. Visit MouthHealthy.org for dental health presentation resources.
- Conduct a dental health screening – Schools, clinics, churches and community centers are good places to hold dental screenings. Contact your component officers to see what has been done in the past and if there are opportunities to work together.
- Work with community and civic groups – Give presentations about children’s oral health to local groups like Rotary, Kiwanis, Lions’ Clubs, women’s clubs and local businesses.
- Reach out to youth groups with dental career info – Connect with Scouts, YMCAs and 4-H groups. Share how a career in dentistry opens up a world of professional opportunities. Visit MouthHealthy.org for career resources.
- Talk with parents – Partner with a local pediatrician and speak at childbirth classes or parent-teacher organization meetings. Provide new patients with dental health packers for newborns.
Visit ADA.org for more information and resources.
Remember to share NCDHM activity photos with the WDA ([email protected]) so we can highlight your efforts.
