Celebrating & Educating During National Children’s Dental Health Month
We all know that February is National Children’s Dental Health Month (NCDHM), and for dental professionals, it can be one of the most fun and educatioal times of the year. It’s a perfect opportunity to turn routine appointments into memorable learning moments and to empower kids (and their caregivers) with habits that can last a lifetime.
Whether you work chairside, in education, public health, or content creation, here are some easy and engaging ways to celebrate and educate during NCDHM.
1. Make Preventive Education Kid-Friendly (and Bite-Sized)
Children learn best when information is simple, visual, and interactive.
Ideas to try:
Use tell-show-do with oversized toothbrushes or models
Teach brushing with a 2-minute song or timer
Let kids practice brushing on a stuffed animal or tooth model
Use fun comparisons like “sugar bugs” or “tooth superheroes”
Small moments of education during an appointment can leave a big impression.
2. Involve Parents & Caregivers
NCDHM is also a chance to educate adults who influence daily habits.
Share age-appropriate brushing and flossing guidelines
Talk about diet, snacking frequency, and hidden sugars
Discuss fluoride, sealants, and early orthodontic evaluations
Provide take-home tip sheets or QR codes to trusted resources
When caregivers feel confident, kids are more likely to succeed.
3. Bring the Celebration Into the Office
You don’t need a huge budget to make February feel special.
Easy in-office ideas:
Sticker charts or small prizes for good brushing habits
Coloring pages or activity sheets in the waiting room
Dress-up days with fun scrubs or themed décor
4. Take Education Beyond the Dental Chair
NCDHM is the perfect excuse to connect with your community.
Ways to get involved:
Visit local schools, preschools, or daycare centers. Have you seen RDHs dress up as the tooth fairy and visit classrooms? So cute.
Partner with libraries or community centers for story time + dental tips
Volunteer at health fairs or pediatric events
Collaborate with school nurses or educators
Even a short presentation can spark curiosity and confidence in young patients.
5. Use Social Media to Reach Kids and Parents
If you’re already on social media, February is prime time for dental education content. You could make these for your dental offices pages, or your own personal accounts to keep spreading the word.
Content ideas:
Quick brushing or flossing demos
Myth-busting posts for parents
Reels showing kid-friendly appointments
Fun facts about baby teeth
Educational content doesn’t have to be complicated—it just has to be relatable.
6. Focus on Prevention, Not Fear
NCDHM is about building lifelong habits, not scaring kids about cavities. Letting parents know this is so important.
Keep messaging:
Positive and encouraging
Age-appropriate
Focused on what kids can do to keep their smiles healthy
The goal is confidence, not compliance.
Every interaction you have with a child helps shape how they view dentistry for years to come. National Children’s Dental Health Month is a reminder of the powerful role dental professionals play in prevention, education, and advocacy.