February is the American Dental Association’s National Children’s Dental Health Month, designed to raise awareness among families and policymakers about the importance to children of good oral health habits. The month also kicks off for the eight straight year with the national health outreach event, Give Kids a Smile Day! More than 1,500 local children throughout Michigan will receive free dental treatment in private dental offices, dental schools, and community health centers as part of “Give Kids a Smile” day.

The Michigan Dental Association today condemned the needless death of a mentally impaired woman from northern Michigan who was unable to have her dangerously infected teeth extracted before the state’s July 1 cutoff of adult dental Medicaid benefits.

Michigan’s Donated Dental Services Program was honored at the state Capitol June 9, 2009 for providing $10 million in dental care to thousands of Michigan’s elderly, disabled and disadvantaged citizens. Donated Dental Services has helped 3,755 people over the past 14 years who otherwise never would have received care.

The 2009 Michigan Dental Association Coloring Contest proved again to be a popular activity among children around the state, as more than 2,800 entries were submitted for this year's contest. The contest takes place each February in conjunction with National Children’s Dental Health Month. Have a look at all the budding artists in this year’s crop of winning entries.

Peter Vanderkaay, Michigan’s own 2008 and 2004 Olympic gold medal swimmer, recently unveiled a dental health education campaign during an event at a Royal Oak Elementary School. The event was held in conjunction with Children’s Dental Health Month, which is designed to raise awareness about the importance of good oral health habits. Vanderkaay said he hopes that children will take his message and incorporate it into their daily routine, remembering the link between oral health and overall wellness.

Halloween doesn’t have to be a scary time for your children’s teeth and gums, as long as smart choices are made about the treats your kids eat.  MDA President Dr. Joanne Dawley says that a little extra candy on Halloween shouldn’t be a problem; you just don’t want to allow your children to eat too much. Read on for healthy Halloween tips.

Michigan Dental Association dentists will be turning out in force across the state of Michigan on Friday, Feb. 2, to provide free dental services to low income.

Community water fluoridation is a simple, inexpensive, safe and effective way to prevent decay in children and adults. It benefits people of all ages and socioeconomic groups, especially those without access to regular dental care. The U. S. Centers for Disease Control called community water fluoridation one of the 10 great public health achievements of the 20th century.