National Children's Dental Health Month

The American Dental Association established the special observance of National Children's Dental Health Month over 50 years ago to help encourage good oral health habits at a young age. Each February, volunteer dentists throughout the state coordinate and plan activities designed to reinforce the NCDHM them.

Since 1992, ISDS has sponsored a Statewide Coloring Contest for kids in kindergarten through third grades. ISDS designs a coloring sheet that incorporates both the ADA theme for the year and the Society's official mascot, Flossie. Each year, 10,000 kids display their artistic talents by entering the contest. Winners receive retail store gift cards. Entry forms must be returned to the Illinois State Dental Society by February 29, 2012. Contest winners will be notified by mail by May 1, 2012.

• 2012 Coloring Sheet & Rules

Learn how you can incorporate Flossie, the ISDS Mascot, into your activities by clicking here. Questions? Contact Gloria Pitchford at gpitchford@isds.org.

Making Plans
Need some ideas for your next National Children’s Dental Health Month observance? The Smile Coach is a special online newsletter from ISDS to help you with planning your event and making it a success.The ADA is full of ideas, check out their website by clicking here.

Compete for NCDHM Awards
Your National Children’s Dental Health Month program or event could be a big winner! Compete for the NCDHM Awards Program—up to $1,500 in cash prizes are given each year. The ISDS Public Relations Committee will bestow awards—at the local component or branch level, and at the individual or small group level. Simply report on your NCDHM event, and be automatically entered in the awards competition.

It’s easy—either complete the form online and submit by e-mail, or print the form, fill it out, and send via postal mail to ISDS.

Winners will be honored at the ISDS Annual Session Opening Breakfast in September.

Contact ISDS Communications Assistant Gloria Pitchford at 800/475-4737 with any questions.