February is National Children’s Dental Health Month (NCDHM), an annual awareness campaign designed to emphasize the importance of good oral health as a component of overall good health. Each year a different theme is adopted to help raise the profile of oral health among kids and encourage them to develop good oral hygiene habits early. This year’s theme is “Brush, Floss, Smile.”
HELPING EDUCATE LOCAL KIDS
To underscore this year’s “Brush, Floss, Smile” theme, BeneCare has donated children’s oral health kits and educational materials to the Boys and Girls Club of Atlantic City and the Jacquelyn Y. Kelley Discovery Charter School (JYK DCS) in Philadelphia. The goal is to help educate their children about the benefits of developing healthy oral care habits at a young age.
“This educational opportunity fits into our mission to connect the classroom to the real world. Oral health is also integral part of the services offered through our school-based health center.”
~Leanne Keough-Hudson, School Nurse for JYK DCS
Photo: Leanne Keough-Hudson, School Nurse (right) and Rachel Yun, Administration (left) at the Jacquelyn Y. Kelley Discovery Charter School in Philadelphia with Paul Miller, BeneCare Sales Manager.
BRUSH, FLOSS, SMILE KIT
Each oral health kit contains a toothbrush, tube of toothpaste, and spool of dental floss — all packed into a practical, reusable pouch. The educational materials include crossword and word search puzzles in an effort to help make learning about good oral health fun for kids.
“One of the pillars of our programs is to help kids enjoy healthy, productive lives. Teaching kids the importance of maintaining a healthy body is a component of developing responsible, caring adults.”
~Stephanie Lutz-Koch, Chief Executive Officer of the Boys and Girls Club of Atlantic City
GIVE KIDS A SMILE® PROGRAM
As part of the NCDHM, the first Friday in February marks the kickoff of the annual Give Kids A Smile® (GKAS) program.[i] GKAS is a national series of events that provides underserved children with free oral healthcare throughout the year.
To find children’s dental care assistance in your area, please visit the American Dental Association’s “MouthHealthy” webpage for additional information.
ABOUT THE BOYS AND GIRLS CLUB OF ATLANTIC CITY
The Boys and Girls Club of Atlantic City (BGCAC) provides resources for the development of youth and their families, from all backgrounds, to realize their full potential. BGCAC serves as the beacon of hope for Atlantic City residents and serves as the scaffolding for families to climb, ensuring and empowering our Club Kids to engage the world with a greater purpose through exploration and opportunity. For more information, please visit www.acbgc.orgor email info@acbgc.org.
ABOUT THE JACQUELYN Y. KELLEY DISCOVERY CHARTER SCHOOL
At the JYK Discovery Charter School, our first priority is Academics. We strive to provide our students with the highest rigorous instruction while following the Common Core Standards. Today’s students are preparing to enter a world in which colleges and businesses are demanding more than ever before. For more information, please visit our websiteor call (215) 879-8182.
[i] Give Kids A Smile is a registered service mark of the American Dental Association.
