It's October! What comes to mind?

Pumpkins, spices, leaves falling, and, of course, Halloween costumes. 

Yes, Halloween is a beautiful holiday to get excited about, and don’t worry—that spooky excitement is coming your way next week! 

This week, I was talking to a hygienist, and they reminded me of a dental holiday that has great importance to them and the dental field in October: 

National Dental Hygiene Month! 

Let's drill into how your dental office can wholeheartedly celebrate it!

What is National Dental Hygiene Month?

National Dental Hygiene Month is a dental holiday observed throughout October. 

It's celebrated to promote good oral health and to recognize the dental hygienists in the dental field. 

It's a perfect opportunity to educate and promote good hygiene practices. Let's celebrate this holiday by sharing our knowledge with patients. 

This holiday is also well-timed—it falls amid the candy rush of Halloween and the holiday season! Using National Dental Hygiene Month to discuss oral health may just prevent a few cavities. 

4 Reasons Why National Dental Hygiene Month Matters

Here are four key reasons to celebrate in your dental office: 

Reason 1: Awareness about oral hygiene and its connection to overall health is an excellent starting point that all staff members can participate in! That is why Awareness is the first reason 

Reason 2: Educate patients about dental care techniques and preventive care. 

Reason 3: Engage in the community to promote dental health.

Reason 4: Recognize and acknowledge hygienists on staff—The holiday is also about celebrating dental hygienists. 

How can you put these four reasons into action at your dental office? 

Let’s take a look at different exciting ways to celebrate next . . . 

How to Celebrate National Dental Hygiene Month

Here are some ways to address each aspect of National Hygiene Month at your dental office:

Awareness:

1. Social Media: Create campaigns promoting oral health and quotes by your dental hygienists.
2. Newsletters: Do you send your patients a monthly newsletter? If you do, use this month to focus on oral hygiene, its benefits, and ways to do so despite all the sugary fun in the coming holidays. (Example: Carry a small travel toothbrush and toothpaste with you; after that pumpkin pie at a friend's house or the candy snuck in from the trick-or-treat container, you can brush away all the sugar. All the fun without the cavities! 
3. Verbal Reminders: Verbal reminders are always an excellent way to spread awareness about National Hygiene Month during visits, emphasizing habits that support oral health. 

Educate:

1. Free Oral Health Workshops: Present workshops virtually as webinars. This can also attract new patients to your office. Put them on your website, and future patients can get a feel for how you go the extra mile to support and educate them about oral health. 
2. Educational Videos: Have your staff create short videos on oral hygiene to play in the waiting room and post them on your dental office’s website. These videos can cover topics like proper brushing and flossing, the benefits of fluoride, or how to spot early signs of gum disease —any such videos can also be posted on YouTube or other social media platforms on which your office has channels. This is a great way to educate and grow awareness— Everyone loves a BOGO deal during the holidays, so why not start in October? 
3. Magnets: Provide patients with magnets about dental hygiene, preventive care, and the health benefits of routine dental visits. They can go on refrigerators to help hold up a child’s art or a grocery list, and every time that fridge is opened, patients will be reminded of your office and why oral health is important. 

Engage:

1. Community Involvement: Partner with local schools, community centers, or senior homes to discuss and provide preventive care—Sometimes, just having access to toothbrushes and toothpaste can make a world of difference in a smile. 
2. Charity Drive: Hold an oral health drive (toothpaste, toothbrushes, and floss) to donate the items to a local organization (for example, a shelter or foster care agency). This is also a great way to get your staff, patients, and community into the holiday spirit—it's never too early to start giving! 
3. Family Oral Health Day: Host a family-friendly event at your office with activities like coloring contests for kids (related to dental hygiene), an art activity with egg cartons as teeth, and perhaps a tooth brushing station with mouth molds. This is particularly fun if you run a pediatric office.

Recognize:

1. Feature Hygienists: In newsletters, social media platforms, or even a blog on your website, share photos and bios of your dental hygienists, along with quotes or testimonials from patients who appreciate their work. 
2. Hygienist Appreciation Day: Celebrate your hygienists with a special in-office event—Have lunch delivered from a catering restaurant. 
3. Hygienist of the Week: Highlight a different hygienist in your office and share their contributions to patient care and oral health education.
4. Employee Recognition Wall: Create a wall in your office to feature your hygienists and celebrate their hard work and patient care throughout the year.

Wrapping Up National Dental Hygiene Month: Healthy Habits, Lasting Smiles!

National Dental Hygiene Month promotes healthier smiles yearly and is more than a celebration. We can prevent oral diseases and cultivate a healthy culture by prioritizing dental hygiene. 

So don’t let your smile go to waste—celebrate hygiene with a grin!

We're all in this together. How do you plan to celebrate National Dental Hygiene Month?

Share your ideas, and let's inspire each other! 

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