The dental industry is gearing up for another all-action summer as plans for National Smile Month 2009 progress before the campaign’s 17 May start date.
Surgeries, hospitals, Primary Care Trusts, schools, colleges and businesses across the UK are set to support the British Dental Health Foundation’s campaign once more.
Participants will be taking advantage of the ideal opportunity to encourage good oral healthcare, educate on its importance and have fun into the bargain.
The campaign tagline ‘Look After Yourself, Brush for Health’ highlights the systemic links between oral and overall health.
Recent research has linked oral health to heart disease, diabetes, strokes and pregnancy problems, not to mention tooth loss and familiar dental issues, emphasising the importance of good oral hygiene.
Last year’s campaign made a huge impact, more than a thousand media features generating £1 million worth of coverage encouraging better healthcare.
A significant milestone was achieved as partnership with Oral Health America led to the first National Smile Month to run simultaneously on both sides of the Atlantic.
This year, the US campaign has been confirmed once more.
National Smile Month products are now available to promote the best ways to good oral health and help youngsters enjoy care routines.
Foundation chief executive Dr Nigel Carter said: ‘The Foundation is very excited to be working on the second trans-Atlantic National Smile Month and we look forward to working alongside partners and thousands of event organisers in both countries.’
Support for the campaign comes from platinum sponsors Oral-B, Wrigley’s ORBIT Complete sugar-free chewing gum and Tesco Dental Insurance.
Campaign guides featuring event ideas and resources have reached each practice in the UK. The website www.nationalsmilemonth.org serves as a hub for health professionals and event organisers, incorporating helpful hints and tips, useful information and a chance to report on activities and upload their own photographs for posterity.
To order a National Smile Month resources or for more information, go online or contact the Foundation on 0870 770 4000.
