girl smiling

February is National Children’s Dental Health Month

2024 slogan, ‘Healthy Habits for Healthy Smiles’

The annual observance of children’s dental health began as a one-day event in Cleveland, Ohio on February 3, 1941. During that year, February 3-7 was designated as Children’s Dental Health Week in Akron, Ohio.

The American Dental Association held the first national observance of Children’s Dental Health Day on February 8, 1949. This single day observance became a week-long event in 1955. In 1981, the program was extended to a month-long celebration known today as National Children’s Dental Health Month.

Each February, the American Dental Association (ADA) sponsors National Children’s Dental Health Month to raise awareness about the importance of oral health. NCDHM messages and materials have reached millions of people in communities across the country.

Developing good habits at an early age and scheduling regular dental visits helps children to get a good start on a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums.

I have always seen all ages, from age one on up (first visit by first birthday). There are occasions that a child has specific dental issues requiring referral to a pedodontist (children’s dental specialist).