Did you know that February is National Children’s Dental Health Month?
On February 3, 1941, in Cleveland, Ohio, a single-day event focused on dental health in kids was held. Eight years later, the American Dental Association observed the first National Children’s Dental Health Day on February 8, 1949. That single-day event grew to a week-long event in 1955. In 1981, the event became the month-long celebration we now know as National Children’s Dental Health Month.
When we focus on National Children’s Dental Health Month (NCDHM) each February, Delta Dental of Michigan is thrilled to see oral health take center stage for Michigan’s youngest residents and is especially excited about the launch of a new program that requires dental screenings for school-aged kids.
Signed into law in January by Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, the new law aims to enhance oral health awareness and identify potential issues early on while kick-starting a lifetime of good oral health practices.
The data is clear: Preventive oral care saves teeth, saves money, and, in many instances, can save lives. That’s because the mouth often reveals serious medical conditions at an early stage.
Delta Dental played a pivotal role in shaping Michigan’s new dental screening legislation by advocating for the bill’s passage and children’s oral health. Collaborating with policymakers, Delta Dental highlighted the importance of early intervention and preventive care. Their involvement underscores Delta Dental’s commitment to community well-being, fostering a healthier future for Michigan’s schoolchildren.
The dental-screening legislation is hardly Delta Dental of Michigan, Ohio and Indiana’s first effort to improve oral health care for kids.
Delta Dental administers Michigan’s Healthy Kids Dental (HKD) program that helps to ensure access to quality dental care for children. HKD provides comprehensive coverage, including preventive services and treatment. By offering affordable dental care, the program contributes significantly to improving oral health outcomes for Michigan’s children, promoting lifelong well-being. The Healthy Kids Dental Program is available to kids in the Medicaid and MIChild programs.
In Michigan, Ohio, and Indiana, Delta Dental’s Special Health Care Needs benefit is helping to reduce the barriers to oral health care for all by providing eligible members with enhanced benefits.
At Delta Dental, we recognize the pivotal role early dental care plays in shaping a child’s overall well-being. From the importance of regular dental check-ups to the role of healthy eating, we want to make certain everyone in Michigan understands the role preventive care and good oral hygiene practices play in maintaining a healthy smile and how that can lead to better overall health.
We hope you’ll join us in celebrating National Children’s Dental Health Month.