NESO News

National Children’s Dental Health Month

NCDHM
Via ADA.org

National Children’s Dental Health Month (NCDHM) began as a one-day event in Cleveland, Ohio, on February 3, 1941. The American Dental Association held the first national observance of Children’s Dental Health Day on February 8, 1949. The single day observance became a week-long event in 1955. In 1981, the program was extended to a month-long observance known today as National Children’s Dental Health Month. Since 1941, the observance has grown from a two-city event into a nationwide program. NCDHM messages reach thousands of people in communities across the country and at numerous armed services bases. Local observances often include displays of posters provided by the ADA, coloring and essay contests, health fairs, free dental screenings, museum exhibits, classroom presentations by dentists and other members of the dental team, and dental office tours.

Each February, the American Dental Association (ADA) sponsors National Children’s Dental Health Month to raise awareness about the importance of oral health. NCDHM messages and materials have reached millions of people in communities across the country. Developing good habits at an early age and scheduling regular dental visits helps children to get a good start on a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums.

This year’s NCDHM campaign slogan “Defeat Monster Mouth” is displayed on the eye-catching children’s posters that feature the McGrinn Twins, Flossy and Buck, along with their best friends and next-door neighbors, Den and Gen Smiley and K-9 the dog. They are fighting to defeat Plaqster the Monster for good oral health. The preteen/teenager’s posters demonstrate effective ways to defeat monster mouth and maintain good oral health by brushing, flossing, rinsing, and eating healthy snacks. These versatile posters will help speakers, teachers, and others to address a range of age groups.

Please visit the American Dental Association NCDHM official page for information regarding campaign materials, public advocacy information and activity sheet.

Source: American Dental Association