The MSDH Oral Health Program held its 3rd annual National Children's Dental Health Month contest for 2011, sponsored by the MSDH Community and School Health Program, Colgate Bright Smiles Bright Futures Mobile Dental Program, the Mississippi Department of Education, the Mississippi Dental Association, and the Mississippi Oral Health Community Alliance (MOHCA).
Schools were asked to have 2nd grade children color a picture illustrating the importance of having a healthy smile, where to find a healthy smile in your community, and how to maintain a healthy smile.
Photos from the 2011 awards event in Stone County
Left to right: MSDH Health Educator Brad Williams; MSDH Dental Director Nicholas Mosca, DDS; and Carla Bassett (MSDH Oral Health) with classmates at Stone Elementary
MSDH Regional Oral Health Consultant Marsha Parker and contest winner Chase Brown
Students receiving dental sealant
CONGRATULATIONS, 2011 WINNERS!!
- 1st place: Chase Brown, Stone Elementary School
Stone Elementary School will receive free dental screenings, dental sealants, and toothbrushes for the second grade classes.
- 2nd place: Emma Hampton, Petal Elementary School
Petal Elementary School will receive free toothbrushes and community recognition for participation.
Dental disease remains a serious problem for Mississippi's school-age children. Results from our FY 2010 survey of third grade children found that:
- 63% of 3rd graders have experienced dental disease
- 31% have untreated dental needs
- 5% need urgent care that can be life threatening
The survey also found that only 23.5% of third graders have received preventive dental sealants, a 3% decrease from 2005. Oral health awareness activities are used to reduce the burden of dental disease and create happier, healthier smiles for Mississippi.
