National Children's Dental Health Month
Each February, the Kansas Dental Association participates in the National Children’s Dental Health Month (NCDHM) campaign.
This month-long national health observance brings together thousands of dedicated dental professionals, healthcare providers, and educators to promote the benefits of good dental health to children, their caregivers, teachers, and many others.
"Fluoride in water prevents cavities!" is the theme of the 2020 campaign. Click the image below to download and print the official campaign poster.
KDA Children's Dental Health Month Campaign
In February 2020, the KDA will hold its annual Drawing Contest and Class Project Contest – and all third grade students in Kansas are invited to participate! Click the links below to download and print activity sheets, fluoride facts, and more; contest rules coming soon!
2020 NCDHM Activity Packet
Fluoride Facts
Educational Materials Supply List (items available for rent)
The KDA Council on Children's Dental Health targets the third grade population because there is already a dental health unit in their science curriculum.
Contest History
Since 2014, the KDA has sent school nurses and third grade teachers at every elementary school in Kansas a campaign information packet encouraging them to teach students about dental health and celebrate National Children's Dental Health Month.
Entries for the contests are then submitted to the KDA office and the Council on Children's Dental Health district chairpersons.
Ready to participate and looking for inspiration? View the winners of the 2019 Drawing Contest and Class Project Contest.
Rewarding Kansas Teachers for Promoting Good Dental Health
In 2014, the Council on Children’s Dental Health made the decision to change the Drawing Contest; and award a prize to the winning student and their participating teacher.
“In year’s past, a bicycle was awarded to the winning student; however, response had been dwindling and many districts were not receiving any entries at all,” said Niki Sadler, Director of Operations for the Kansas Dental Association.
“The idea was to target those who could actually influence the classroom curriculum. We felt that benefiting the teacher as well as the student, would show the teacher that we appreciate their service. The teacher is the one who makes a difference.”
In addition to the Drawing Contest, the Council created the KDA Class Project Contest, in which third grade teachers can submit a dental health video or other presentation for the chance to win a larger prize – a $500 gift card for 1st place, $250 gift card for 2nd place, or $100 gift card for 3rd place.
Once received, the class projects are evaluated and scored by the Council on Children’s Dental Health and KDA staff, then the top three projects are judged by the General Assembly at the KDA Annual Business Meeting.
Contact Us
For more information on the KDA's Children's Dental Health Month campaigns, contact KDA Communications Coordinator, Kylie Fleck.