A group of local influencers and organizations have joined forces to promote healthy dental habits to kindergarten students in Rockdale County, GA during National Children’s Dental Health Month in February.
Smiles by Dr. Heavenly along with Rockdale County Post One Commissioner Sherri L. Washington, the Top Ladies of Distinction, Inc. (New Rock Chapter), Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. (Stone Mountain-Lithonia Alumnae Chapter), the National Council of Negro Women, Inc. (Rockdale-Newton Section) and Erica Antoinette Management will launch the “I Love My Smile Tour,” a dental hygiene awareness initiative kicking off Friday, February 15, 2019 at three Rockdale County schools: C.J. Hicks Elementary School, Pine Street Elementary School and J.H. House Elementary School.
The one-day program will feature award-winning dentist Dr. Heavenly Kimes and the “I Love My Smile” Mascot, who will visit each school and encourage healthy dental habits through songs, Q&A and the dental hygiene pledge. Free dental kits, posters and pledge certificates will be given away during each stop.
Prior to the tour, Commissioner Washington will issue a Proclamation for National Children’s Dental Month in Rockdale County on Tuesday, February 12, 2019 at 10:00 a.m. at the Rockdale County Board of Commissioners (962 Milstead Ave, Conyers GA 30012).
“It is my pleasure to introduce a program that promotes good oral hygiene to our youngest citizens,” says Commissioner Washington. “Oral hygiene is so important to our general health but also to our self-esteem. I would also like to thank each of the organizations that are responsible for donating their time and talent to this endeavor.”
“I am excited to partner with the Rockdale County community to spread the important message of practicing healthy dental hygiene,” says Dr. Kimes. “It is critical that children establish good dental habits at an early age in order to avoid serious health problems in the future such as heart disease. The ‘I Love My Smile Tour’ is a great way to promote proper oral health among our youth. I am proud to be a part of this program.”
Now in its 78th year, National Children’s Dental Health Month is an annual campaign created by the American Dental Association. This year’s slogan is “Brush and clean in between to build a healthy smile,” referring to the recommendations to brush for two minutes twice a day and clean between teeth daily with an interdental cleaner. For more information on NCDHM as well as materials, visit ADA.org/NCDHM.
