May 2008 eNewsletter

NEW SURVEY SHOWS AMERICANS VALUE ORAL HEALTH BUT KNOWLEDGE GAP REMAINS

Oral Health America Launches National Smile Month on May 18

Oral health is a top health priority for 64 percent of adults in the United States right now, but even more adults (82 percent) are unaware of the role that infectious bacteria can play in tooth decay, or cavities, according to a new public opinion survey from Oral Health America and Philips Sonicare. The survey, conducted by Harris Interactive®, is part of the first-ever U.S. National Smile Month, from May 18 to June 17. National Smile Month aims to raise awareness of the importance of good oral health habits, including brushing, healthy food choices, and regular dental visits. The National Smile Month “Brush for Health!” theme focuses on raising public awareness about the connection between oral care and overall health.

“The survey results make it clear that Americans know the benefits of dental care, but lack a greater understanding of the disease processes that causes tooth decay,” says Robert Klaus, President and CEO of Oral Health America. “This means that there are still significant opportunities to educate the public about this common, infectious disease.” Read the National Smile Month Survey Press Release

The campaign promotes key oral health messages, and encourages participation at any level by dental practices, clinics, schools, medical practices, community centers, and others who would like to raise the profile of oral health. Take a look at the National Smile Month Handbook and web site, www.nationalsmilemonth.org, which provide press release templates and ideas for engaging local media.

National Smile Month is running simultaneously in the US and UK thanks to a welcome new partnership with the British Dental Health Foundation, who started the campaign 32 years ago. The governors of New Jersey and Connecticut have issued proclamations declaring May 18-June 17 as National Smile Month.

For more information, visit www.nationalsmilemonth.org, or email nsm@oralhealthamerica.org. Stay tuned for more news!

Wells Fargo Financial Bank's Healthcare Consumer Financing Program Supports Smiles Across America

Oral Health America's Smiles Across America program will benefit from Wells Fargo Financial Bank's Health Advantage(SM) card, the company announced on April 29. Smiles Across America supports oral disease prevention services and oral health education for more than 100,000 children annually in eight regions across the country.

"We'll donate a portion of the annual sales volume from the dental segment to Smiles Across America," said Terry Fuller, Senior Vice President, Wells Fargo Financial Retail Services. "Every time patients use the card to pay for their dental care, they help Smiles Across America provide dental care and education to uninsured and underserved children." The credit card program gives consumers flexible payment options for dental treatment, veterinary care and corrective vision procedures. Read the release

National Spit Tobacco Education Program (NSTEP) Slogan Contest Strikes Again

OHA is pleased to announce that submissions are now being accepted for the annual NSTEP slogan contest. If you are a Little League Baseball or Little League Softball player, or you know of a Little League player, and are interested in checking out the slogan submission form, please click here. The winner will be recognized during on on-field ceremony at the Little League Baseball World Series in August. The prize includes a travel expenses and a monetary award.

OHA Helps Coordinate Sunstar Americas Donation to Special Olympics Special Smiles

OHA is pleased to announce Sunstar America's donation of 10,000 units of GUM brand dental floss and 5,000 "Go-Betweens" to Special Olympics Special Smiles for events from now until the Fall. Like Sunstar Americas, OHA is thrilled to be an ongoing friend to this vitally important program.

"As the manufacturer and distributor or GUM and Butler brand oral care products, Sunstar Americas, Inc. is proud to support the time and talents volunteered by hundreds of dental professionals around the country to the Special Olympics, Special Smiles Program," said Kent Fletcher, Vice President Public Relations, Sunstar Americas, Inc. "With a growing body of research showing the relationship between oral disease and other systemic diseases, every effort we make to enhance oral care and oral health may be rewarded with lifelong general health benefits. Sunstar thanks the dental professional volunteers and the Special Olympics Special Smiles organizers for creating this opportunity."

For information about Sunstar America's GUM brand products, visit http://www.sunstaramericas.com/index.asp.

Health Advocates Collaborate on Voter Education Initiative

If your state or territory's congressional primary has already occurred (Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Mississippi, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico or Texas), visit Your Candidates-Your Health and view your candidates' stances on health and research issues. If your candidate has not responded to the survey, you can send him or her a message from the website. Congressional candidates from other states and territories will be added after each congressional primary.

The congressional candidate survey does include a question about the dental workforce!

Donate Online Today!

Your contribution to OHA is matched dollar-for-dollar by DENTSPLY International. Thank you for supporting our work in communities across the country, and raising awareness of oral health's importance to overall health. Donate now through our online server, a secure VeriSign account.

Founded in 1955, Oral Health America is the nation’s premier, independent advocacy organization dedicated to improving oral health for all Americans. For more information, please send email correspondence to info@oralhealthamerica.org.

 Vol. 4, Issue 3, May 2008

Editor: Liz Rogers

Special thanks to Diana Saldana and Belmont Publications, Inc. for the design of this eNewsletter.