February is National Children’s Dental Health Month! The American Dental Association and Michigan Dental Association sponsor this annual event throughout the month of February to raise awareness among families and policymakers about the importance to children of good oral health habits.

National Children's Dental Health Month began as a one-day event in Cleveland, Ohio on Feb. 3, 1941. The American Dental Association 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, and in 1981 the program was extended to a month-long celebration known today as National Children’s Dental Health Month.

The Michigan Dental Association and its 26 local dental societies take great pride in celebrating National Children’s Dental Health Month during the month of February. Dentists, hygienists and dental assistants throughout the state volunteer their time and expertise to conduct oral health screenings and provide educational programs in schools and for community organizations.

For the past nine years, the month has begun with the ADA’s national oral health outreach event, the Give Kids a Smile campaign. It is expected that more than 15,000 children throughout the state will receive free oral health screenings, dental treatment, and oral health education as part of the Give Kids a Smile campaign in Michigan. More than 300 members of the Michigan Dental Association, along with hygienists, dental 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 Gary Jeffers, D.M.D., M.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 healthy and happy smile.”

February is National Children’s Dental Health Month! The American Dental Association and Michigan Dental Association sponsor this annual event throughout the month of February to raise awareness among families and policymakers about the importance to children of good oral health habits.

National Children's Dental Health Month began as a one-day event in Cleveland, Ohio on Feb. 3, 1941. The American Dental Association 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, and in 1981 the program was extended to a month-long celebration known today as National Children’s Dental Health Month.

The Michigan Dental Association and its 26 local dental societies take great pride in celebrating National Children’s Dental Health Month during the month of February. Dentists, hygienists and dental assistants throughout the state volunteer their time and expertise to conduct oral health screenings and provide educational programs in schools and for community organizations.

For the past nine years, the month has begun with the ADA’s national oral health outreach event, the Give Kids a Smile campaign. It is expected that more than 15,000 children throughout the state will receive free oral health screenings, dental treatment, and oral health education as part of the Give Kids a Smile campaign in Michigan. More than 300 members of the Michigan Dental Association, along with hygienists, dental 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 Gary Jeffers, D.M.D., M.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 healthy and happy smile.”