National Children’s Dental Health Month 2019
Community
Events
Fifth District
The Alliance of Lancaster County Dental Society
The Alliance of Lancaster County Dental Society is always one of
the most active groups in promoting NCDHM. The Alliance teamed
up with the Boy Scouts of Troop 84 for the fifth consecutive
year to put together dental kits as a Children’s Dental Health Month
service project.
The Scouts were instrumental in the dental kit stuffing project.
Third District
Scranton District Dental Society
The Scranton District Dental Society (SDDS) held their kick-off
to NCDHM on Saturday, February 2 at The Viewmont Mall.
Area dentists were on-hand to provide free dental screenings
for children, along with a visit from the Tooth Fairy, coloring
stations, dental bags and giveaways. McDonald’s partnered
with SDDS and brought along a favorite character of young
children, Peppa Pig, who handed out coupons for free
French fries.
Other free events included “Tooth Fairy Day” at the Albright
Memorial Children’s Library on Sunday, February 3. Children
enjoyed a magic show hosted by Dr. Brian Kerr, a dental
hygiene presentation, a visit from The Tooth Fairy, face
painting, storytelling, gifts and magical tooth-filled fun.
Each child received a gift if they checked out at least three
library items that day.“ The Scranton District Dental Society
has participated in NCHDM for over 30 years. The events of
NCDHM are central to our mission of serving the community,”
said Cindy Cox, marketing coordinator. “By partnering
with the ARC of NEPA (www.thearcnepa.org) to assemble
8,000 dental giveaway bags, we also support people with
intellectual and developmental disabilities. We are pleased
to work with such a wonderful agency that allows us to
touch so many children’s lives through the events of NCDHM.”
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MAY/JU NE 2019 | P EN N S YLVA N IA D EN TA L J O UR N A L
As soon as they arrived at St Peter’s Evangelical Lutheran Church,
the older Scouts started setting up – placing tables into position,
hauling in and unpacking supplies, and then instructing the
younger Scouts in how to put the kits together: one travel size
toothpaste, one floss, one toothbrush and one mouth wash, all in
a Ziploc bag. Their work assisted the Lancaster Alliance in rapidly
assembling over 1,000 kits. The Scouts helped the Alliance
members pack the kits for distribution, and then helped load
the packed kits into cars for the Alliance members to deliver to
organizations throughout the county. Scouts were generously
rewarded for their hard work with snacks and drinks provided
by Alliance.
The Lancaster Alliance purchases all of the supplies used for
dental kit stuffing using funds they raise during the prior year.
They purchase everything wholesale, to get the best price. If any
funds are left over, they are distributed to various facilities in
Lancaster County that support the mission of dental health in the
community; in the past cash donations were given to Water Street
Health Ministries Dental Clinic, Welsh Mountain Dental Clinic and
St Joesph’s Health Ministries.
Every year, the Alliance of Lancaster County sponsors a poster
contest to promote Children’s Dental Health Month, using the
ADA-sponsored theme. This year’s theme was “Brush and Clean In
Between to Build a Healthy Smile.” The top three winners in each
category received monetary awards, with $50 for first prize, $35
for second and $20 for third.