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1984 National Children’s Dental Health Month
JADA ASSOCIATION REPORTS
1984 National Children’s Dental Health Month Bureau of Health Education and Audiovisual Services
eports received regarding National Chil dren’s Dental Health Month (NCDHM) indicate an extremely successful 36th observance. This summary represents a sample of the innovative and exciting programs that were implemented by the dental community. Three state associations, Louisiana, Iowa, and Oklahoma, conducted the ADA-sponsored NCDHM planning workshop. Several dental health chairpersons attended to learn about new activities and to share their local suc cesses. In addition, participants were made aware of the materials and resources available as well as the special NCDHM promotional items. As in past years, several materials were de veloped by the Association to assist members and the dental societies with their local promo tions. Materials distributed free of charge in cluded: program planning kits, posters, televi sion and radio public service announcements, and citations. Salable promotional items in
cluded buttons, bookmarks, stickers, calen dars, and a practitioner starter kit. The follow ing quantities were distributed: 7,700 program planning kits, 1,100,000 posters, 2,000 radio public service announcements, 600 television public service announcements, 10,100 cita tions, 273,300 buttons (sold out), 503,500 bookmarks, 705,700 stickers, 20,200 calendars (sold out), and 750 practitioner starter kits (sold out). One of the most successful aspects of the 1984 campaign was the newly developed prac titioner starter kit. The kit, designed to encour age dentists to participate in the NCDHM ob servance, contained quantities of buttons, bookmarks, stickers, posters, and calendars, as well as suggestions on how to use the materials for in-office promotions and community ac tivities. Because of an overwhelming number of requests for the kit, the ADA ran out of stock twice. Several groups coordinated planning local
The Fox River Valley Dental Society produced a play titled The Wizard of Floss. Stars in the play included dental health chairman Dr. Margaret W iff along with other general practitioners, specialists, hygienists, assistants, and students. The play was presented to students in grades 1 through 8. In addition, a videotape of the play is now available to dentists for use in their offices and school presenta tions.
activities. Such groups included dentists, den tal specialists, hygienists, assistants, auxiliary members, educators, pharmacists, and nurses. In addition, activities were conducted in a var iety of settings such as schools, shopping malls, restaurants, banks, skating rinks, video arcades, hospitals, and movie theaters. Ac tivities ranged in scope from dental health puppet shows in preschool and day care cen ters to oral cancer screenings in senior citizen centers to fabricating mouthguards at sporting events.
Schools M a x w e ll A ir F orce B ase, AL m The Alabama Bureau of Dental Health presented 6 hours of continuing education to the teachers at the Maxwell Air Force Base elementary school. Plaque control materials were given to the teachers for distribution in the classroom.
Ms. Cheryl Gatyas, alias Happy Tooth, spoke to a group at Fairview School in Plymouth, W I. The program was sponsored by the Sheboygan County Dental A uxiliary and the Plymouth Junior Women's Club. JADA, Vol. 109, August 1984 ■ 299
A S S O C IA T IO N
REPORTS
Dr. Conrad Sack, representing the San Fernando Valley Dental Society, performs a dental screening as a part of the Dental Health Fair conducted at a local shopping mall.
C h a m p io n sk ate rs R a n d y G a rd n e r a n d T ai Babilonia, the California celebrity spokespersons for Dental Health Month, congratulate Stanton Wong, winner of San Gabriel Valley Dental Society’s Smile Contest.
DN Angela Phillips of the Naval Dental Clinic, MD, provides preventive counseling to student Michael Luby.
Additional films and educational materials were also available to the teachers.
ters were constructed for the Northwest In diana Dental Hygienists’ Association. Each costume was sewn together with dental floss which was of special interest to all children who participated.
ety, entertained approximately 5,500 children from Sedgwick County School. Children had an opportunity to participate in the Pop-thePlaque, Fish Pond, and Dental IQ games.
Orange, CT m
The Connecticut Dental Hygienists’ Association worked with Head Start classrooms during February. A slide/tape pro gram was presented on the sights and sounds of the dental office. In addition, the movieDudley the Dragon was shown. Letters were sent home to parents with a copy of the ADA’s pamphlet Your C hild’s Teeth.
Bitburg Air Force Base, Germany
» A spe cial dental health superhero was created for the comic section of the base newspaper. The car toon set the stage for “Captain Tooth’s ” live appearance in the classroom. The “Captain” soon became the base authority on the preven tion of dental disease.
Augusta, GA m
Grayslake, IL
Bowling Green, KY
Ft. Knox, KY
Madisonville, KY
Garden City, KS m
Heuvelton, NY
m An oral health screening was offered at the College of Lake County by the Lake County Health Department. The pro gram was promoted through the campus newspaper as well as the college employee newsletter. Several students participated in the screening. C ounseling on brushing, flossing, and nutrition was also provided. ■ In addition to their ongoing school dental health education programs, the base dental staff supplied the school with sev eral posters listing dental emergency proce dures. These posters were used in the class rooms, nurse’s office, and gymnasium.
The Augusta Dental Auxil iary performed Wanda Wonder Smile Puppet Show in area schools. More than 10,000 chil dren, from prekindergarten to the fourth grade, participated in the program. A local newspa per cartoonist sketched the show’s characters and printed a coloring sheet that was distrib uted to children at each performance.
Children learned how to develop radiographs and take and pour algi nate impressions during a visit to a dental of fice coordinated by the Finney Dental Society. Society members also provided teachers with films and classroom support materials.
Matteson, IN
The fifth annual Tooth Fair, sponsored by the Wichita District Dental Soci
■ Several life-sized charac
Wichita, KS m
Students in the Southern Tioga and Wellsboro area school districts (Wisconsin) participated in an “I Love Clean Teeth, Toothbrushing Chart Program.” For 3 weeks, each student had a toothchecking buddy who would place a smiling face on the student’s chart if he or she did a good job of cleaning teeth. 300 ■ JADA, Vol. 109, August 1984
■ A slide show depict ing a young child’s first visit to the dentist was produced by the Pennyrile Dental Auxiliary. The show presented an initial oral examina tion from a child’s point of view. The primary audience was preschoolers and kindergartners, but the program content was also de signed for primary grades. ■ The West Central Den tal Society produced a dental health activity folder for classrooms and libraries. Each folder contained crossword puzzles, short stories, and pictures to color. These folders will be re vised and expanded in subsequent years.
■ Parents were invited to a program at the Heuvelton Central School where sixth grade students competed in a den tal speech contest. In addition, a songwriting contest was held for fifth grade students. W in ners from each grade received monetary awards.
Gulfport, MS m
Eight elementary schools
The dental clinic staff from Fort Riley sponsored a poster contest for the base school. Monetary awards, provided by the officers’ wives club, were given to each winner. W ith the winners are Col. Donald Mills, Margaret Atchison, Mrs. Neal Creighton, Dianne Haus, and Lt. Col. Walter Shields.
“Can you find your temporomandibular joint?” was a question posed by Baylor dental student Vivian Kerr (San Antonio) in her presentation of dentistry and oral hygiene to a group of schoolchildren in a Dallas suburb.
Dr. Donald Ruffalo and Sharkey the Puppet investi gate tots’ teeth during a visit to Divine Redeemer Nursery School in Hartland, Wis. The happy patient is Doug Krueger.
On Feb 1, Gov. Victor Atiyeh proclaimed February as National Children’s Dental Health Month for the state of Oregon. Present at the signing were Dr. Chris M ar tin, state chairm an for NCDHM, and eight children representing local schools.
“Bruce the Dental Health Moose” smiles with the children participating in the third annual Smile-AThon on Dental Health Day in South Portland, ME.
Hygienist Shirley Loomis shows D. J. Herrmann how to brush his teeth. The Southern Wisconsin Dental Hygienists’ Association and Rock County Dental As sistants’ Association offered a variety of NCDHM programs, including a booth at an area shopping center.
Capt. C. T. Vaught (seated), USN, Commanding Of ficer, Naval Station, and Capt. J. C. Kelly, DC, USN, Commanding Officer, Naval Dental Clinic, sign a proclamation declaring February as Children’s Den tal Health Month at Naval Station, San Diego.
Dr. David S. Johnson, representing the Southeast Missouri District Dental Soci ety, shakes hands with the society’s honorary chairman, Billy Bob. Looking on are Renee Callow, promotion director for Showbiz Pizza, and Stephanie Jackson, secretary of the Cape Girardeau District Dental Assistants Society. JADA, Vol. 109, August 1984 ■ 301
A S S O C IA T IO N
REPORTS
As part of NCDHM activities in New Hampshire, aux iliary members created a quilt featuring dental themes. The quilt w ill be displayed at community functions, such as health fairs and civic group meet ings. New Hampshire auxiliary member, Dorothea Denault, shows ADA Trustee Dr. Robert Unger, com ponents of the quilt at the Auxiliary Dental Health Education Conference.
Distributing toothbrushes and dental health educa tion materials for the St. Clair Dental Society, IL, are Dr. Robert McDill, Dr. Jeffrey Uhl, and Dr. Paul Biegler.
participated in a door decorating contest spon sored by the Fifth District Dental Auxiliary. Students in the winning classrooms received an iron-on design, toothbrush, ring, and ruler— all with a dental health message. The auxiliary also donated dental prevention books to each school library.
Mansfield, OH
m The Central Ohio Dental Society duplicated the dental health activities section of the NCDHM planning kit for all elementary schoolteachers and other school professionals. In addition, the society pro vided presentations, movies, and snack parties for interested schools.
Ft. Sill, OK
m Students had the opportunity to participate in a slogan-writing contest. Winners recited their slogans over the public address system at school with a new slogan each day.
Wilkes-Barre, PA
• In an effort to interact with other organizations, the auxiliary to the Luzerne County Dental Society joined with the local chapter of the American Lung Associa tion to provide health tips to a small children’s health magazine. Approximately 19,000 stu dents, grades K to 6, received the publication.
Boosevelt Boads, PB
• The US naval dental clinic assigned its mobile dental trailer to area elementary and high schools. The trailer has two fully equipped dental operatories and a preventive dentistry room. Staff dentists per formed screening examinations on 99% of the students. Results of the examinations were then sent home to parents.
San Antonio, TX
» T o encourage dental health in the school and at home, the auxiliary to the San Antonio District Dental Society dis tributed 300,000 bookcovers to the students in public schools.
Odessa, TX
m In addition to receiving a trophy and gift certificate, the winners of the Permian Basic District Dental Society poster 302 ■ JADA, Vol. 109, August 1984
Using the “Thriller” video as a theme, the Vandenberg Air Force Base Dental Clinic choreographed a musical dance skit about fighting cavities. More than 1,200 students saw the skit and received oral hygiene instructions. Stars of the show were Red Cross volun teer Robin Bank, AIC Christian Wrenn, SRA Tim Hoover, and Captain George Castro.
contest saw their poster placed on billboards throughout the city.
Community
California
a The Olympics began in Feb ruary for California. The California Dental As sociation sponsored a statewide program enti tled Smile Olympics. The events included the sugarbag toss, toothbrush relay, floss toss, and a brace race. Special posters, promotional items, and public service announcements were distributed statewide. Champion skaters Tai Babalonia and Randy Gardner served as hon orary chairpersons for the celebration.
Alameda, CA
m In cooperation with Safe way Stores, Inc, the Auxiliary to the East Bay Dental Society and the Alameda County Dental Society developed a nutrition pamphlet enti tled Eat Right, Smile Bright. The pamphlet was distributed through Safeway stores across the United States.
San Francisco
m Representatives from the dental society, dental hygiene society, assis tants’ society, and the auxiliary conducted a program for the San Francisco Shriners Hospi tal for Handicapped Children. In addition to many films on brushing and flossing, a contest entitled Draw Your Neighbor’s Smile was im plemented. Awards were given, balloons dis tributed, and dental health certificates pre sented to all children.
New London, CT
m Pediatricians were in vited to attend a lecture on pediatric dentistry sponsored by the New London County Dental Society. The meeting was held at a pediatric dental office where actual techniques could be demonstrated.
Ft. Lauderdale, FL
a Fourteen dental sci ence projects were submitted to an engineering and science fair, judged in part by the Broward County Dental Association. Two of the projects represented the association at the International Science and Engineering Fair and won first and second place. The titles of the projects were Computerized Juvenile Bitemarks for Dif ferential Identification and The Effects of Sugars on Growth and Acid Production of S mutans.
Louisville, KY
m The A u x iliary to the Louisville Dental Society sponsored a booth at the handicapped resource fair conducted at a cerebral palsy school. The ADA film, Some Children Need Special Care, was shown to all participants. The pamphlet Caring For Your Disabled Child’s Teeth was distributed. A den tist was present to answer all questions.
Augusta, ME
a A display illustrating the benefits of fluoride was constructed by the Maine State Office of Dental Health. The dis play was set up in libraries, shopping malls, and meeting sites throughout the state. Topics covered in the display included; how fluoride works, a map of fluoridated M aine com munities, and an explanation of why we need fluoride.
Baltimore
■ The Baltimore County public libraries provided a perfect setting for the Maryland State Dental Association to conduct a dental health education program. The pro gram included films, demonstrations, and a question and answer session. Several books on dentistry and nutrition were available for chil dren to take home.
St. Cloud, MN
■ A listing of films and slide sets available on a free loan basis was sent to all area dentists and auxiliary members by the auxiliary to the West Central District Dental Society. The auxiliary filled more than 125 re quests for audiovisuals. The films and slides were used in schools, Head Start programs, nursing homes, and w ith various youth groups.
A S S O C IA T IO N
Capt. Jim Clarke, popular New Orleans children’s television personality, served as honorary chairman of National Children’s Dental Health Month in the Cres cent City. Enlisted by the New Orleans Dental Association, Capt. Jim made sev eral NCDHM commercials, featured dentists and dental hygienists on h is Popeye and Pals programs, and appeared at several public events. Helping Capt. Jim spread the word are, left, Abbey and Evan McGough and, right, W ill and Thaddeus Dunn.
Springfield, MO
m A computer donated by a local merchant asked passers-by dental health-related questions. As a new part of the Springfield Dental Society’s mall program, if a question was answered correctly, the com puter displayed a big smile on the screen.
Lincoln, NE
m To kick off its NCDHM ac tivities, the auxiliary to the Lincoln District Dental Association hung a reusable sign over the main street in downtown Lincoln. The words on the sign encouraged everyone to “Smile, It’s Dental Health Month.”
Glen Falls, NY
■ Two computerized signs stating “ Smile America, a Healthy Smile Brightens Everyone’s Day” were displayed by the local civic center for the Upper Hudson Dental Society. Thousands of people were able to see the large sign; the theme was presented throughout the month of February.
Dickinson, ND
m The western component of dental hygienists in cooperation with the West Slope Dental Society held a toothbrush trade-in at a local shopping mall. The highlight of the program was a computerized game on nutrition for the younger participants. A “den tal health” clown offered assistance in answer ing any questions.
Cincinnati
m Players from the Cincinnati Bengals football team assisted the Cincinnati Dental Society with their shopping mall ac tivities by making appearances each weekend during February. The players signed auto graphs and talked to children about the impor tance of dental health. Other mall activities in cluded free dental examinations, exhibits, and a marionette show.
Portsmouth, OH
m Dental hygiene students from Shawnee State Community College in cooperation with the Southern Ohio Dental Society and the Southern Ohio Dental Hygiene Society sponsored several local programs. Ac tivities included nursing home visitations, school assemblies, and a brush-in carnival at
Capt. Karl Smith discusses nutrition and dental health with a parent and children attending “Tooth Fair ’84” at Norton Air Force Base, CA.
the college. Prizes and cash donations were se cured from local merchants.
Hazleton, PA
m The Auxiliary to the Hazle ton Dental Society distributed scripts of a pup pet show entitled Mr. Happy Tooth and His Second Chance to local girl scout troops. The troops presented the show to preschoolers at a local library. In addition, films were shown and brushing and flossing techniques demon strated.
Mansfield, PA
a The Tioga County Dental Society requested that all physicians and den tists in the county emphasize the importance of having a fluoride regimen for their young pa tients. Letters were sent to the practitioners, signs were placed in reception areas publiciz ing the benefits of fluoride, and parents were questioned about their knowledge of fluoride supplements, mouthrinses, and dentifrices.
Milton, PA
REPORTS
a A group of 30,000 interested participants took advantage of all the dental health education presented at the Tri-County
Dental Society’s Dental Health Fair. Activities included: dental chair rides, face painting, a wheel of fortune, and a child safety seat dis play.
Norfolk, VA
a The Tidewater Dental Asso ciation created a speaker’s bureau and pro moted its services to pu b lic and private schools, day care centers, and mental health institutes. Several presentations with a wide variety of subjects were offered.
Appleton, WI
a The Outagamie County Dental Society distributed posters and book marks to area banks and bookstores. The bookmarks were stamped with a message indi cating that tours, presentations, and educa tional materials were available from the dental society.
Cheyenne, WY
a The Wyoming Dental As sociation placed the television public service announcement in local movie theaters. It was flashed on the screen before the previews of upcoming attractions.
An awards presentation ceremony was held for National Children’s Den tal Health Month Wed, March 28, in Schenectady Mayor Karen Johnson's office. Receiving the awards were Gabrielle Carpentier and Larry Leone. Each received $50 US Savings Bonds for their limericks in a citywide limerick contest for dental health, spon sored by the Schenectady County Dental Society.
JADA, Vol. 109, August 1984 ■ 303
A S S O C IA T IO N
REPORTS
Mr. T. (the “T” stands for to othbrush) an d Flash Floss teamed up against Plaqueman to teach the importance of good dental health to students at Beale Air Force Base in Califor nia. Actors in the dental dram a were Sgt. Tony H o u s to n , D r. Ste ve n Schoen, and Dr. Craig M il ler.
Incirlik Air Force Base, Turkey m
During February, a program was initiated for pregnant women at the base hospital. Currently, the pro gram is being presented every other Friday to obstetrical orientation classes. The presenta tion includes a slide show followed by a ques tion and answer period.
Media
Minnesota
■ To encourage consumers to learn more about dental health, the Minnesota Dental Association instituted a new campaign entitled Word of Mouth. This project consisted of approximately 30 short tapes on various dental subjects such as sealants, smokeless to bacco, and cosmetic dentistry. Consumers were instructed to dial a toll free number and select the recording in which they were most interested. Newspapers, magazines, and other media sources throughout the state promoted the dental association’s program.
Gabriel, CA m
San Bryant Gumble of the popular NBC morning Today Show received a special dental health surprise during February. The Auxiliary to the San Gabriel Valley Dental Society sent Mr. Gumble a sugarless treat bas ket complete with a toothbrush and toothpaste.
Orange, CT m
A dental hygienist represent ing the Connecticut Dental Hygienists’ Associ ation appeared on a local cable children’s show, The Rabbit Hutch. A tape illustrated a
visit to the dentist, radiographs, fluoride treatments, and a prophylaxis.
Kansas
• For the second year, the Kansas Dental Association conducted its Dial-A-Smile campaign. Toll free numbers were established throughout the state. An auxiliary member created a new character, “Major Molar,” who was placed on posters and coloring sheets to promote the program. Major Molar w ill con tinue to be used for dental health promotions throughout the year.
Bowling Green, KY m
The auxiliary to the Pennyrile Dental Society obtained a week of segments on the A.M. Kentucky Program. Three dentists, one hygienist, and one assis tant were interviewed by a local news an nouncer. Topics covered included: orthodon tics, parental awareness of dental disease and the roles of the hygienist and assistant in the dental office setting.
Michigan n
The Michigan Dental Associa tion made sure that each dental office received a poster for NCDHM: in the January issue of the Journal of the Michigan Dental Association, a poster was collated into the center of the publi cation.
Youngstown, NY m
The Niagara County Dental Society along with its auxiliary discusssed current dental health issues on a radio talk show. The most popular subject was the
As a part of their NCDHM activities, the Elkhart County Dental Auxiliary gives away a special toothbrush to the first baby born in February. This year they had quite a surprise when twins were born first. Seen here presenting the tooth brushes are auxiliary members Andrea Stryker and Marcia McNamara to Mrs. Anthony Smith, Amber, and Anthony, Jr.
M olar McClean, goodwill ambassador from the W ichita Dental Hygienists Association, was a big hit again at the annual tooth fair in W ichita (February). Children heard good dental health tips from Molar.
explanation of new techniques and products for making patients more comfortable in the dental chair. In addition, the auxiliary an nounced its local activities, such as a poster contest that was conducted through the school system.
Greensburg, PA m
A locally produced tape on nursing bottle mouth syndrome was dis tributed to cable television stations by the Den tal Society of Western Pennsylvania. Custom ers in local supermarkets were also able to see the tape on the television sets placed near the checkout lines.
Green Bay, W1
■ A local public service an nouncement was developed by the BrownDoor-Kewaunee Dental Society. Films were made of local children reciting the statement, “February is National Children’s Dental Health Month, so smile Northeastern Wisconsin, a healthy smile brightens everyone’s day.” The song When You’re Smiling was used as back ground music. After the films were completed, four television stations aired the announce ment throughout the month.
_______________________________JS^OA This special report was prepared by Ms. Pam Evenson, Special Program Coordinator, Bureau of Health Education and Audiovisual Services, in June 1983.
Students and their toothbrushes gather around the DENT AC toothbooth, part of a community-wide program. Shown with the brushers are Dental Assistant SP5 Doug Breiholz, left, Preventive Dentistry Officer Dr. W illiam Smith, Jr., and Den tal Health Coordinator SP5 James Kelly, right. JADA, Vol. 109, August 1984 ■ 305
1984 National Children’s Dental Health Month Bureau of Health Education and Audiovisual Services
eports received regarding National Chil dren’s Dental Health Month (NCDHM) indicate an extremely successful 36th observance. This summary represents a sample of the innovative and exciting programs that were implemented by the dental community. Three state associations, Louisiana, Iowa, and Oklahoma, conducted the ADA-sponsored NCDHM planning workshop. Several dental health chairpersons attended to learn about new activities and to share their local suc cesses. In addition, participants were made aware of the materials and resources available as well as the special NCDHM promotional items. As in past years, several materials were de veloped by the Association to assist members and the dental societies with their local promo tions. Materials distributed free of charge in cluded: program planning kits, posters, televi sion and radio public service announcements, and citations. Salable promotional items in
cluded buttons, bookmarks, stickers, calen dars, and a practitioner starter kit. The follow ing quantities were distributed: 7,700 program planning kits, 1,100,000 posters, 2,000 radio public service announcements, 600 television public service announcements, 10,100 cita tions, 273,300 buttons (sold out), 503,500 bookmarks, 705,700 stickers, 20,200 calendars (sold out), and 750 practitioner starter kits (sold out). One of the most successful aspects of the 1984 campaign was the newly developed prac titioner starter kit. The kit, designed to encour age dentists to participate in the NCDHM ob servance, contained quantities of buttons, bookmarks, stickers, posters, and calendars, as well as suggestions on how to use the materials for in-office promotions and community ac tivities. Because of an overwhelming number of requests for the kit, the ADA ran out of stock twice. Several groups coordinated planning local
The Fox River Valley Dental Society produced a play titled The Wizard of Floss. Stars in the play included dental health chairman Dr. Margaret W iff along with other general practitioners, specialists, hygienists, assistants, and students. The play was presented to students in grades 1 through 8. In addition, a videotape of the play is now available to dentists for use in their offices and school presenta tions.
activities. Such groups included dentists, den tal specialists, hygienists, assistants, auxiliary members, educators, pharmacists, and nurses. In addition, activities were conducted in a var iety of settings such as schools, shopping malls, restaurants, banks, skating rinks, video arcades, hospitals, and movie theaters. Ac tivities ranged in scope from dental health puppet shows in preschool and day care cen ters to oral cancer screenings in senior citizen centers to fabricating mouthguards at sporting events.
Schools M a x w e ll A ir F orce B ase, AL m The Alabama Bureau of Dental Health presented 6 hours of continuing education to the teachers at the Maxwell Air Force Base elementary school. Plaque control materials were given to the teachers for distribution in the classroom.
Ms. Cheryl Gatyas, alias Happy Tooth, spoke to a group at Fairview School in Plymouth, W I. The program was sponsored by the Sheboygan County Dental A uxiliary and the Plymouth Junior Women's Club. JADA, Vol. 109, August 1984 ■ 299
A S S O C IA T IO N
REPORTS
Dr. Conrad Sack, representing the San Fernando Valley Dental Society, performs a dental screening as a part of the Dental Health Fair conducted at a local shopping mall.
C h a m p io n sk ate rs R a n d y G a rd n e r a n d T ai Babilonia, the California celebrity spokespersons for Dental Health Month, congratulate Stanton Wong, winner of San Gabriel Valley Dental Society’s Smile Contest.
DN Angela Phillips of the Naval Dental Clinic, MD, provides preventive counseling to student Michael Luby.
Additional films and educational materials were also available to the teachers.
ters were constructed for the Northwest In diana Dental Hygienists’ Association. Each costume was sewn together with dental floss which was of special interest to all children who participated.
ety, entertained approximately 5,500 children from Sedgwick County School. Children had an opportunity to participate in the Pop-thePlaque, Fish Pond, and Dental IQ games.
Orange, CT m
The Connecticut Dental Hygienists’ Association worked with Head Start classrooms during February. A slide/tape pro gram was presented on the sights and sounds of the dental office. In addition, the movieDudley the Dragon was shown. Letters were sent home to parents with a copy of the ADA’s pamphlet Your C hild’s Teeth.
Bitburg Air Force Base, Germany
» A spe cial dental health superhero was created for the comic section of the base newspaper. The car toon set the stage for “Captain Tooth’s ” live appearance in the classroom. The “Captain” soon became the base authority on the preven tion of dental disease.
Augusta, GA m
Grayslake, IL
Bowling Green, KY
Ft. Knox, KY
Madisonville, KY
Garden City, KS m
Heuvelton, NY
m An oral health screening was offered at the College of Lake County by the Lake County Health Department. The pro gram was promoted through the campus newspaper as well as the college employee newsletter. Several students participated in the screening. C ounseling on brushing, flossing, and nutrition was also provided. ■ In addition to their ongoing school dental health education programs, the base dental staff supplied the school with sev eral posters listing dental emergency proce dures. These posters were used in the class rooms, nurse’s office, and gymnasium.
The Augusta Dental Auxil iary performed Wanda Wonder Smile Puppet Show in area schools. More than 10,000 chil dren, from prekindergarten to the fourth grade, participated in the program. A local newspa per cartoonist sketched the show’s characters and printed a coloring sheet that was distrib uted to children at each performance.
Children learned how to develop radiographs and take and pour algi nate impressions during a visit to a dental of fice coordinated by the Finney Dental Society. Society members also provided teachers with films and classroom support materials.
Matteson, IN
The fifth annual Tooth Fair, sponsored by the Wichita District Dental Soci
■ Several life-sized charac
Wichita, KS m
Students in the Southern Tioga and Wellsboro area school districts (Wisconsin) participated in an “I Love Clean Teeth, Toothbrushing Chart Program.” For 3 weeks, each student had a toothchecking buddy who would place a smiling face on the student’s chart if he or she did a good job of cleaning teeth. 300 ■ JADA, Vol. 109, August 1984
■ A slide show depict ing a young child’s first visit to the dentist was produced by the Pennyrile Dental Auxiliary. The show presented an initial oral examina tion from a child’s point of view. The primary audience was preschoolers and kindergartners, but the program content was also de signed for primary grades. ■ The West Central Den tal Society produced a dental health activity folder for classrooms and libraries. Each folder contained crossword puzzles, short stories, and pictures to color. These folders will be re vised and expanded in subsequent years.
■ Parents were invited to a program at the Heuvelton Central School where sixth grade students competed in a den tal speech contest. In addition, a songwriting contest was held for fifth grade students. W in ners from each grade received monetary awards.
Gulfport, MS m
Eight elementary schools
The dental clinic staff from Fort Riley sponsored a poster contest for the base school. Monetary awards, provided by the officers’ wives club, were given to each winner. W ith the winners are Col. Donald Mills, Margaret Atchison, Mrs. Neal Creighton, Dianne Haus, and Lt. Col. Walter Shields.
“Can you find your temporomandibular joint?” was a question posed by Baylor dental student Vivian Kerr (San Antonio) in her presentation of dentistry and oral hygiene to a group of schoolchildren in a Dallas suburb.
Dr. Donald Ruffalo and Sharkey the Puppet investi gate tots’ teeth during a visit to Divine Redeemer Nursery School in Hartland, Wis. The happy patient is Doug Krueger.
On Feb 1, Gov. Victor Atiyeh proclaimed February as National Children’s Dental Health Month for the state of Oregon. Present at the signing were Dr. Chris M ar tin, state chairm an for NCDHM, and eight children representing local schools.
“Bruce the Dental Health Moose” smiles with the children participating in the third annual Smile-AThon on Dental Health Day in South Portland, ME.
Hygienist Shirley Loomis shows D. J. Herrmann how to brush his teeth. The Southern Wisconsin Dental Hygienists’ Association and Rock County Dental As sistants’ Association offered a variety of NCDHM programs, including a booth at an area shopping center.
Capt. C. T. Vaught (seated), USN, Commanding Of ficer, Naval Station, and Capt. J. C. Kelly, DC, USN, Commanding Officer, Naval Dental Clinic, sign a proclamation declaring February as Children’s Den tal Health Month at Naval Station, San Diego.
Dr. David S. Johnson, representing the Southeast Missouri District Dental Soci ety, shakes hands with the society’s honorary chairman, Billy Bob. Looking on are Renee Callow, promotion director for Showbiz Pizza, and Stephanie Jackson, secretary of the Cape Girardeau District Dental Assistants Society. JADA, Vol. 109, August 1984 ■ 301
A S S O C IA T IO N
REPORTS
As part of NCDHM activities in New Hampshire, aux iliary members created a quilt featuring dental themes. The quilt w ill be displayed at community functions, such as health fairs and civic group meet ings. New Hampshire auxiliary member, Dorothea Denault, shows ADA Trustee Dr. Robert Unger, com ponents of the quilt at the Auxiliary Dental Health Education Conference.
Distributing toothbrushes and dental health educa tion materials for the St. Clair Dental Society, IL, are Dr. Robert McDill, Dr. Jeffrey Uhl, and Dr. Paul Biegler.
participated in a door decorating contest spon sored by the Fifth District Dental Auxiliary. Students in the winning classrooms received an iron-on design, toothbrush, ring, and ruler— all with a dental health message. The auxiliary also donated dental prevention books to each school library.
Mansfield, OH
m The Central Ohio Dental Society duplicated the dental health activities section of the NCDHM planning kit for all elementary schoolteachers and other school professionals. In addition, the society pro vided presentations, movies, and snack parties for interested schools.
Ft. Sill, OK
m Students had the opportunity to participate in a slogan-writing contest. Winners recited their slogans over the public address system at school with a new slogan each day.
Wilkes-Barre, PA
• In an effort to interact with other organizations, the auxiliary to the Luzerne County Dental Society joined with the local chapter of the American Lung Associa tion to provide health tips to a small children’s health magazine. Approximately 19,000 stu dents, grades K to 6, received the publication.
Boosevelt Boads, PB
• The US naval dental clinic assigned its mobile dental trailer to area elementary and high schools. The trailer has two fully equipped dental operatories and a preventive dentistry room. Staff dentists per formed screening examinations on 99% of the students. Results of the examinations were then sent home to parents.
San Antonio, TX
» T o encourage dental health in the school and at home, the auxiliary to the San Antonio District Dental Society dis tributed 300,000 bookcovers to the students in public schools.
Odessa, TX
m In addition to receiving a trophy and gift certificate, the winners of the Permian Basic District Dental Society poster 302 ■ JADA, Vol. 109, August 1984
Using the “Thriller” video as a theme, the Vandenberg Air Force Base Dental Clinic choreographed a musical dance skit about fighting cavities. More than 1,200 students saw the skit and received oral hygiene instructions. Stars of the show were Red Cross volun teer Robin Bank, AIC Christian Wrenn, SRA Tim Hoover, and Captain George Castro.
contest saw their poster placed on billboards throughout the city.
Community
California
a The Olympics began in Feb ruary for California. The California Dental As sociation sponsored a statewide program enti tled Smile Olympics. The events included the sugarbag toss, toothbrush relay, floss toss, and a brace race. Special posters, promotional items, and public service announcements were distributed statewide. Champion skaters Tai Babalonia and Randy Gardner served as hon orary chairpersons for the celebration.
Alameda, CA
m In cooperation with Safe way Stores, Inc, the Auxiliary to the East Bay Dental Society and the Alameda County Dental Society developed a nutrition pamphlet enti tled Eat Right, Smile Bright. The pamphlet was distributed through Safeway stores across the United States.
San Francisco
m Representatives from the dental society, dental hygiene society, assis tants’ society, and the auxiliary conducted a program for the San Francisco Shriners Hospi tal for Handicapped Children. In addition to many films on brushing and flossing, a contest entitled Draw Your Neighbor’s Smile was im plemented. Awards were given, balloons dis tributed, and dental health certificates pre sented to all children.
New London, CT
m Pediatricians were in vited to attend a lecture on pediatric dentistry sponsored by the New London County Dental Society. The meeting was held at a pediatric dental office where actual techniques could be demonstrated.
Ft. Lauderdale, FL
a Fourteen dental sci ence projects were submitted to an engineering and science fair, judged in part by the Broward County Dental Association. Two of the projects represented the association at the International Science and Engineering Fair and won first and second place. The titles of the projects were Computerized Juvenile Bitemarks for Dif ferential Identification and The Effects of Sugars on Growth and Acid Production of S mutans.
Louisville, KY
m The A u x iliary to the Louisville Dental Society sponsored a booth at the handicapped resource fair conducted at a cerebral palsy school. The ADA film, Some Children Need Special Care, was shown to all participants. The pamphlet Caring For Your Disabled Child’s Teeth was distributed. A den tist was present to answer all questions.
Augusta, ME
a A display illustrating the benefits of fluoride was constructed by the Maine State Office of Dental Health. The dis play was set up in libraries, shopping malls, and meeting sites throughout the state. Topics covered in the display included; how fluoride works, a map of fluoridated M aine com munities, and an explanation of why we need fluoride.
Baltimore
■ The Baltimore County public libraries provided a perfect setting for the Maryland State Dental Association to conduct a dental health education program. The pro gram included films, demonstrations, and a question and answer session. Several books on dentistry and nutrition were available for chil dren to take home.
St. Cloud, MN
■ A listing of films and slide sets available on a free loan basis was sent to all area dentists and auxiliary members by the auxiliary to the West Central District Dental Society. The auxiliary filled more than 125 re quests for audiovisuals. The films and slides were used in schools, Head Start programs, nursing homes, and w ith various youth groups.
A S S O C IA T IO N
Capt. Jim Clarke, popular New Orleans children’s television personality, served as honorary chairman of National Children’s Dental Health Month in the Cres cent City. Enlisted by the New Orleans Dental Association, Capt. Jim made sev eral NCDHM commercials, featured dentists and dental hygienists on h is Popeye and Pals programs, and appeared at several public events. Helping Capt. Jim spread the word are, left, Abbey and Evan McGough and, right, W ill and Thaddeus Dunn.
Springfield, MO
m A computer donated by a local merchant asked passers-by dental health-related questions. As a new part of the Springfield Dental Society’s mall program, if a question was answered correctly, the com puter displayed a big smile on the screen.
Lincoln, NE
m To kick off its NCDHM ac tivities, the auxiliary to the Lincoln District Dental Association hung a reusable sign over the main street in downtown Lincoln. The words on the sign encouraged everyone to “Smile, It’s Dental Health Month.”
Glen Falls, NY
■ Two computerized signs stating “ Smile America, a Healthy Smile Brightens Everyone’s Day” were displayed by the local civic center for the Upper Hudson Dental Society. Thousands of people were able to see the large sign; the theme was presented throughout the month of February.
Dickinson, ND
m The western component of dental hygienists in cooperation with the West Slope Dental Society held a toothbrush trade-in at a local shopping mall. The highlight of the program was a computerized game on nutrition for the younger participants. A “den tal health” clown offered assistance in answer ing any questions.
Cincinnati
m Players from the Cincinnati Bengals football team assisted the Cincinnati Dental Society with their shopping mall ac tivities by making appearances each weekend during February. The players signed auto graphs and talked to children about the impor tance of dental health. Other mall activities in cluded free dental examinations, exhibits, and a marionette show.
Portsmouth, OH
m Dental hygiene students from Shawnee State Community College in cooperation with the Southern Ohio Dental Society and the Southern Ohio Dental Hygiene Society sponsored several local programs. Ac tivities included nursing home visitations, school assemblies, and a brush-in carnival at
Capt. Karl Smith discusses nutrition and dental health with a parent and children attending “Tooth Fair ’84” at Norton Air Force Base, CA.
the college. Prizes and cash donations were se cured from local merchants.
Hazleton, PA
m The Auxiliary to the Hazle ton Dental Society distributed scripts of a pup pet show entitled Mr. Happy Tooth and His Second Chance to local girl scout troops. The troops presented the show to preschoolers at a local library. In addition, films were shown and brushing and flossing techniques demon strated.
Mansfield, PA
a The Tioga County Dental Society requested that all physicians and den tists in the county emphasize the importance of having a fluoride regimen for their young pa tients. Letters were sent to the practitioners, signs were placed in reception areas publiciz ing the benefits of fluoride, and parents were questioned about their knowledge of fluoride supplements, mouthrinses, and dentifrices.
Milton, PA
REPORTS
a A group of 30,000 interested participants took advantage of all the dental health education presented at the Tri-County
Dental Society’s Dental Health Fair. Activities included: dental chair rides, face painting, a wheel of fortune, and a child safety seat dis play.
Norfolk, VA
a The Tidewater Dental Asso ciation created a speaker’s bureau and pro moted its services to pu b lic and private schools, day care centers, and mental health institutes. Several presentations with a wide variety of subjects were offered.
Appleton, WI
a The Outagamie County Dental Society distributed posters and book marks to area banks and bookstores. The bookmarks were stamped with a message indi cating that tours, presentations, and educa tional materials were available from the dental society.
Cheyenne, WY
a The Wyoming Dental As sociation placed the television public service announcement in local movie theaters. It was flashed on the screen before the previews of upcoming attractions.
An awards presentation ceremony was held for National Children’s Den tal Health Month Wed, March 28, in Schenectady Mayor Karen Johnson's office. Receiving the awards were Gabrielle Carpentier and Larry Leone. Each received $50 US Savings Bonds for their limericks in a citywide limerick contest for dental health, spon sored by the Schenectady County Dental Society.
JADA, Vol. 109, August 1984 ■ 303
A S S O C IA T IO N
REPORTS
Mr. T. (the “T” stands for to othbrush) an d Flash Floss teamed up against Plaqueman to teach the importance of good dental health to students at Beale Air Force Base in Califor nia. Actors in the dental dram a were Sgt. Tony H o u s to n , D r. Ste ve n Schoen, and Dr. Craig M il ler.
Incirlik Air Force Base, Turkey m
During February, a program was initiated for pregnant women at the base hospital. Currently, the pro gram is being presented every other Friday to obstetrical orientation classes. The presenta tion includes a slide show followed by a ques tion and answer period.
Media
Minnesota
■ To encourage consumers to learn more about dental health, the Minnesota Dental Association instituted a new campaign entitled Word of Mouth. This project consisted of approximately 30 short tapes on various dental subjects such as sealants, smokeless to bacco, and cosmetic dentistry. Consumers were instructed to dial a toll free number and select the recording in which they were most interested. Newspapers, magazines, and other media sources throughout the state promoted the dental association’s program.
Gabriel, CA m
San Bryant Gumble of the popular NBC morning Today Show received a special dental health surprise during February. The Auxiliary to the San Gabriel Valley Dental Society sent Mr. Gumble a sugarless treat bas ket complete with a toothbrush and toothpaste.
Orange, CT m
A dental hygienist represent ing the Connecticut Dental Hygienists’ Associ ation appeared on a local cable children’s show, The Rabbit Hutch. A tape illustrated a
visit to the dentist, radiographs, fluoride treatments, and a prophylaxis.
Kansas
• For the second year, the Kansas Dental Association conducted its Dial-A-Smile campaign. Toll free numbers were established throughout the state. An auxiliary member created a new character, “Major Molar,” who was placed on posters and coloring sheets to promote the program. Major Molar w ill con tinue to be used for dental health promotions throughout the year.
Bowling Green, KY m
The auxiliary to the Pennyrile Dental Society obtained a week of segments on the A.M. Kentucky Program. Three dentists, one hygienist, and one assis tant were interviewed by a local news an nouncer. Topics covered included: orthodon tics, parental awareness of dental disease and the roles of the hygienist and assistant in the dental office setting.
Michigan n
The Michigan Dental Associa tion made sure that each dental office received a poster for NCDHM: in the January issue of the Journal of the Michigan Dental Association, a poster was collated into the center of the publi cation.
Youngstown, NY m
The Niagara County Dental Society along with its auxiliary discusssed current dental health issues on a radio talk show. The most popular subject was the
As a part of their NCDHM activities, the Elkhart County Dental Auxiliary gives away a special toothbrush to the first baby born in February. This year they had quite a surprise when twins were born first. Seen here presenting the tooth brushes are auxiliary members Andrea Stryker and Marcia McNamara to Mrs. Anthony Smith, Amber, and Anthony, Jr.
M olar McClean, goodwill ambassador from the W ichita Dental Hygienists Association, was a big hit again at the annual tooth fair in W ichita (February). Children heard good dental health tips from Molar.
explanation of new techniques and products for making patients more comfortable in the dental chair. In addition, the auxiliary an nounced its local activities, such as a poster contest that was conducted through the school system.
Greensburg, PA m
A locally produced tape on nursing bottle mouth syndrome was dis tributed to cable television stations by the Den tal Society of Western Pennsylvania. Custom ers in local supermarkets were also able to see the tape on the television sets placed near the checkout lines.
Green Bay, W1
■ A local public service an nouncement was developed by the BrownDoor-Kewaunee Dental Society. Films were made of local children reciting the statement, “February is National Children’s Dental Health Month, so smile Northeastern Wisconsin, a healthy smile brightens everyone’s day.” The song When You’re Smiling was used as back ground music. After the films were completed, four television stations aired the announce ment throughout the month.
_______________________________JS^OA This special report was prepared by Ms. Pam Evenson, Special Program Coordinator, Bureau of Health Education and Audiovisual Services, in June 1983.
Students and their toothbrushes gather around the DENT AC toothbooth, part of a community-wide program. Shown with the brushers are Dental Assistant SP5 Doug Breiholz, left, Preventive Dentistry Officer Dr. W illiam Smith, Jr., and Den tal Health Coordinator SP5 James Kelly, right. JADA, Vol. 109, August 1984 ■ 305