Celebrating National Children’s Dental Health Month

February is more than Valentine’s Day and winter chills—it’s National Children’s Dental Health Month (NCDHM)! While pediatric oral health deserves attention all year long, February offers a perfect spotlight moment to amplify your message, engage families, and position your practice as a trusted community resource.

Sponsored by the American Dental Association, NCDHM focuses on building habits that support a lifetime of healthy smiles. Here’s how to bring the celebration to life—inside your office, online, and throughout your community.

👉 Download the NCDHM Program Planning Guide (PDF)

Transform Your Physical Space

Your office shouldn’t just feel clinical. February is an opportunity to celebrate healthy habits in a fun, approachable way. Even adult-focused practices can tailor their messages to health-centered parenting and grandparenting.

• Create a Photo Corner.
  Props like oversized toothbrushes, “I Had a Great Visit” signs, “No Cavities” stickers, and even a superhero cape encourage parents to snap photos and tag your practice on social media.
• Use ADA Educational Materials.
  Set up a Coloring Corner with dental health calendars kids can take home, or provide activity sheets for parents, grandparents, and caregivers.
• Build a “Sugar Swap” Display.
  Show how much sugar is hiding in common snacks versus tooth-friendly alternatives. A bowl of sugar next to a soda bottle delivers an unforgettable visual lesson for both kids and adults.
  
  

Raise Awareness with Digital Outreach & Social Media

Use your online presence to educate families while highlighting your team's warmth and personality.

“Ask the Expert” Video Series

Post short 60-second videos answering common questions such as:

• When should my child first visit the dentist?
• How much fluoride is safe?
• What if my child is scared?

Ready-to-Use Weekly Social Posts

Week One:

Happy National Children’s Dental Health Month! 

Did you know the ADA recommends a child’s first dental visit by age one? Early visits help prevent cavities, establish healthy habits, and make the dentist a friendly, familiar place. Let’s help little smiles shine from the very start!

#NCDHM #ChildrensDentalHealth #PediatricDentistry #FirstDentalVisit #HealthySmiles #[YourCity]Dentist

Image: Child smiling in the dental chair with a friendly hygienist.

Week Two:

Brush, brush, brush your teeth!

Top tips for super smiles:

• Two-Minute Rule: Brush twice a day for two full minutes.
• Pea-Sized Power: Only a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste for ages 3–6.
• Floss Boss: Once teeth touch, it’s time to floss daily.

What are your family’s favorite brushing hacks? Share below!

#NCDHM #BrushingTips #FlossingFun #KidsDentalHealth #HealthyHabits

Image: Parent and child brushing together.

Week Three:

Smart Snacking for Healthy Teeth 

Sugary snacks fuel cavity-causing bacteria. Try these “Super Snacks” instead:
Apples & pears, cheese, carrots & celery, plain yogurt.

What are your go-to healthy snacks? Share your ideas! 

#NCDHM #HealthySnacks #CavityPrevention #KidsNutrition

Image: Healthy vs. sugary snack comparison.

Week Four:

A Lifetime of Healthy Smiles

February may be the spotlight month, but oral health lasts a lifetime. We’re proud to be your partners in healthy smiles at every age.

Image: Multi-generational family smiling.

Community Connection

National Children’s Dental Health Month isn’t just about February; it’s about creating conversations, habits, and relationships that last all year. Take NCDHM beyond your office walls!

• Local School Visits: Host a virtual or in-person Dental Storytime at preschools and elementary schools.
• Pediatrician Partnerships: Share NCDHM information packets to reinforce consistent messaging and strengthen referrals.
• Local Media Outreach: The ADA provides ready-to-use articles and press release templates; there is no need to start from scratch.

When your practice becomes a source of education, encouragement, and joy, you don’t just care for smiles; you help shape healthier futures.