National Children ’ s Dental Health Month Sparkles Statewide
NCDHM Rewards
Improvements were made this year to PDA ’ s NCDHM Rewards Program , which provided more than 115,000 coupons for free kid ’ s meals and snacks to PDA dentists , statewide . The coupons , distributed to patients under the age of 12 during the month of February , served as a reward to children for getting an oral health check-up . Although this was the third year for PDA ’ s Rewards Program , it was the first year rewards were available to all areas of the state . Participating restaurants included Hoss ’ s Steak and Sea House , Applebee ’ s and Rita ’ s Italian Ice . Eligibility for coupons was based on location .
The demand for coupons this year was overwhelming . With 70,000 more coupons in supply over previous years , the ability to open the program to the entire PDA membership made the program a huge success . Coupons were made available to PDA members on January 1 . Orders were placed by mail , fax and an online-order form on the PDA website . By January 27 , the supply was exhausted . 340 PDA members participated in the program .
Dr . V . Lynne Cochran of Pittsburgh was pleasantly surprised by the response from children when distributing the free Applebee ’ s kid ’ s meal coupons to an elementary school where she serves as the school dentist . She said the children went crazy for the coupons and were excited to receive such a nice treat .
Dr . Robert Azarik of Perkasie distributed Rita ’ s Italian Ice coupons to children who came into his orthodontic office . He said , “ The program was well received and I hope it will continue next year .”
NCDHM Events
Many PDA member dentists chose to observe NCDHM by reaching out to the children in their communities . District and local dental societies , dental offices , community organizations and elementary schools sponsored a wide variety of events aimed at educating children . The Scranton District Dental Society ( SDDS ) hosted five NCDHM events , delivered oral health presentations to elementary schools and made oral health donations to two local charities this year . In addition , SDDS donated 4,000 goodie bags to children in the area .
SDDS ’ NCDHM Chair , Dr . Todd Angelo , and Drs . Pierre Germaine , Joe Perrotti , Chris Kotchick , Jan Stampien , Kristin Paoli , Stephanie Hanyon , Sue Rink , Gary Wadsworth , Gary Kopesky , Brian Kerr , Jessica Falk , Jack Erhard and Mike Umerich participated in the SDDS events . Dr . Angelo said , “ I was thrilled that so many doctors volunteered their time and knowledge to raise awareness about the importance of dental health . Without their efforts , we would not have been able to host all of the unique events that we had planned . I also am grateful for the tremendous response we received throughout the community , and look forward to expanding our efforts next year .”
The following are just a few examples of the many ways that PDA member dentists contributed to the 2010 NCDHM program .
Second District
• Dr . Laurene Grabil presented a PowerPoint presentation to thirdgrade students at St . Agnes School in West Chester . The presentation included dental facts and instructions for proper brushing and flossing .
Sarah Angelo , Alliance Representative , Dr . Todd Angelo , NCDHM Chair , and the Tooth Fairy pose with McDonald ’ s Grimace and the Hamburgler during an a SDDS event held at McDonald ’ s in Tunkhannock .
18 May / June 2010 • Pennsylvania Dental Journal