WHEREAS, National Children’s Dental Health Month, sponsored by the American Dental Association, is a chance for thousands of dental health professionals, providers, and educators across our state and nation to promote the benefits of good oral health to children and their loved ones; and
WHEREAS, during this month, thousands of dental professionals will host Give Kids a Smile events, providing free oral health services to thousands of underserved children; to date, over 7 million children have received free oral health services as a result of this program; and
WHEREAS, National Children’s Dental Health observances began with a one-day event in Cleveland, Ohio, in February 1941; in 1955, the single-day observance became a week-long event, and in 1981, it was extended to a month-long celebration known today as National Children’s Dental Health Month; and
WHEREAS, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that 15.3 percent of nearly 10,000 kindergarteners screened throughout North Carolina were found to have untreated tooth decay; and
WHEREAS, tooth decay is the leading chronic disease of childhood, and is four-times more common than asthma among adolescents aged 14-17 years old; and
WHEREAS, poor oral health can have a detrimental effect on a child's quality of life, their performance at school, and their success later in life; and
WHEREAS, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services recommends reducing your child’s risk of tooth decay by helping your child develop good brushing and flossing habits, eating healthy foods, limiting sugary foods and drinks, limiting between meal snacks, and scheduling regular dental visits; and
WHEREAS, for National Children’s Dental Health Month, Wake Preparatory Academy will provide a virtual dental presentation to kindergarten and first-grade students, and distribute handouts to all K-6 graders;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, ROY COOPER, Governor of the State of North Carolina, do hereby proclaim February, 2023, as “CHILDREN’S DENTAL HEALTH MONTH” in North Carolina, and commend its observance to all citizens.