Title
Health and Human Services Agency recommending the Board adopt a Proclamation recognizing February 2019 as National Children’s Dental Health Month to promote the importance of developing good oral health habits at a young age.
FUNDING: N/A
Body
DISCUSSION / BACKGROUND:
February is National Children's Dental Health Month. This year's theme, "Brush and clean in-between to build a healthy smile" promotes brushing for two minutes twice a day and flossing for two minutes a day for a healthy smile. The focus is about the importance of developing good oral health habits at a young age. This issue is very important since pediatric dental disease is the #1 chronic childhood disease in America, and it is one hundred percent (100%) avoidable. Although cavities are common in children, they are not the norm, but rather a malady leading to chronic pain, further tooth decay and infection that, if left unchecked, may result in abscess or even death.
National Children’s Dental Health Month (NCDHM) began as a one-day event in Cleveland, Ohio, on February 3, 1941. The American Dental Association (ADA) held the first national observance of Children’s Dental Health Day on February 8, 1949. The single day observance became a week-long event in 1955.
In 1981, the program was extended to a month-long observance known today as National Children’s Dental Health Month. Since 1941, the observance has grown from a two-city event into a nationwide program. NCDHM messages reach thousands of people in communities across the country and at numerous armed services bases.
In January 2018, Health and Human Services Agency received 5-year funding to develop an integrated local oral health program. The priority of the program is to reduce the instances of cavities among children, especially young children, 0-5 years of age.
ALTERNATIVES:
The Board of Supervisors may choose not to accept this Proclamation.
PRIOR BOARD ACTION:
None
OTHER DEPARTMENT / AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
N/A
CAO RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board approve this item.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
N/A
CLERK OF THE BOARD FOLLOW UP ACTIONS
1) Clerk of the Board to obtain signature of Chair on one (1) original Proclamation.
2) Clerk of the Board to give the originally signed Proclamation to the person giving the oral health presentation.
STRATEGIC PLAN COMPONENT:
County Strategic Plan: Protect against adverse outcomes among children and youth, adults and seniors.
CONTACT
Don Semon, Director