NCDHM Aids

Dear ADHA Members and Students:

PREPARE NOW!

National Children’s Dental Health Month (NCDHM), observed each February, is a great opportunity to educate children and their parents about good oral health. You may also be involved in a host of community outreach activities during this month.

ADHA encourages you to champion oral health education in your office, at your local elementary school or community health center. To support your efforts in observing NCDHM, we would like to inform you about two educational tools designed to encourage positive interaction between patients and oral health care professionals.

Helping You Smile! Interactive CD

Helping You Smile!, a new interactive CD-Rom, is a unique way to grab and keep the attention of your patients and their parents to educate them about a number of oral health topics. There are sections for both children and adults/parents. The child-focused (ages 5-10) section uses animation, games and interactive learning activities. The adult/parent section offers information to help them improve and maintain a healthy mouth and an attractive smile.

Through our efforts, the cost of the CD is minimal and can be purchased in 25-unit ($99.99) and 100-unit quantities ($299.99) -- via The Learning Concept website. And best of all, the ADHA Institute for Oral Health (ADHA’s Foundation) receives a donation for each CD you purchase. For more information or to order online, go to: www.helpingyousmile.com. To order, click on “Order Form” and select “ADHA (American Dental Hygienists’ Association)” in the “Referred By” drop-down menu—this ensures that ADHA receives credit toward its fundraising efforts.

I Love My Teeth booklet

Back by popular demand, ADHA is once again pleased to make available the I Love My Teeth activity book. Sponsored by Wrigley Oral Healthcare Programs, the booklet involves younger patients (ages 6-9) in proper oral care practices—including a variety of puzzles and other fun activities—all with an oral health education element. ADHA members can order the I Love My Teeth booklet from the ADHA product catalog item #3814 at several price break categories for as little as $.50. For more information or to order online, go to www.adha.org/shopping.

Whether in a private office, public health setting or participating in community outreach activities, these educational tools may be used to enhance your current oral health care educational programs. Use them:

• As a feature in “New Patient Kits”
• As an educational tool for kids to calm their “first visit” worries
• As a handout in school presentations, or at local community fairs, or to pass out to friends
• To help adult patients understand the possibilities for helping their own smile

ADHA has worked closely with the developers of the CD and the booklet to create these exciting learning tools that will educate children. Equally important these tools help dental hygienists promote good oral health care.

For more information about National Children’s Dental Health month or these products, please contact Linda at NCDHMdev@adha.net.