Celebrate National Children's Dental Health Month in February Published Jan. 27, 2014 By Tech. Sgt. William Winslow 509th Medical Operations Squadron WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. -- The month of February is set aside every year as National Children's Dental Health month, a time to provide oral health education to all children regardless of economic status. The American Dental Association began sponsoring the event in 1949 in order to promote the importance of good oral health beginning at a young age. This nationwide program has educated millions of children across the country over the last 60 years by working through schools, public facilities, community groups, military bases and dental offices. In support of the National Children's Dental Health Month celebration, the 509th Dental Flight and representatives from Delta Dental will be providing presentations to our local elementary school here on Whiteman. The dental clinic will also have personnel at the BX on Feb. 22 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Our dental professionals will be there to educate the public on the importance of oral health in children and provide an opportunity to ask questions. Boil and bite mouth guards will also be passed out. To further highlight the importance of developing good oral health in children, there will be a series of articles published to increase public awareness. Contact your private or civilian dentist for other special events in the area associated with National Children's Dental Health Month. If you would like more information you can visit the ADA website online at www.ada.org. The message that resonates from National Children's Dental Health Month activities is the importance of establishing good oral health habits at an early age and routine dental visits with a professional to get a good start on achieving healthy teeth and gums.