Dental holidays abound, and this next week brings National Smiles Month to a close. So now’s your last chance to participate and show your solidarity with other dental professionals around the world.

Not sure what this is all about or how you’ll celebrate? 

No worries! That’s what we’re covering in today’s write up…

What is National Smiles Month?

National Smiles Month is sponsored by the Oral Health Foundation. It is celebrated May 16th to June 16th. 

Although it’s a UK-based holiday, it’s still something your office may choose to participate in.

This year’s theme is “Love Your Smile.”

Why Celebrate?

National Smiles Month is a fantastic opportunity for your office to share awareness about the importance of oral health and to celebrate the beautiful smiles that light up your days. 

This awareness month provides a platform to engage with patients, educate the community, and promote dental health in a fun and impactful way. 

What Topics are Covered?

Topics the Oral Health Foundation promotes during National Smiles Month include:

• Caring for your smile
• Healthy food and drink 
• Confidence 
• Mental well-being 
• Disease and other conditions
• Oral health products 

Ways to Participate:

There are many ways for your patients to participate in National Smiles Month. Here are a few:

1. Participate in the Tooth Fairy Competition: Write a poem or draw a picture based on the theme: Love Your Smile. 
2. Take a Picture: Take a selfie with the Oral Health Foundation’s iconic Smiley.
3. Follow this healthy checklist to remember brushing and flossing.
4. Download and use the Dental Buddy to teach children the importance of oral health.
5. Send a letter to the Tooth Fairy.

Here are some other ways to celebrate National Smiles Month in your dental practice.

• Launch a patient education and awareness campaign
• Host a workshop on oral health
• Share information on your social media 
• Engage in fun office activities
• Plan an office theme day such as "Tooth Fairy Day" or "Superhero Smile Day," 
• Visit a local school for a brushing demonstration
• Provide a certain service at a discount and tie it into National Smiles Month
• Engage in professional development related to healthy smiles
• Encourage patients and staff to participate in oral hygiene challenges
• Promote healthy eating habits that benefit dental health

National Smiles Month is an occasion for dental office professionals to connect with their patients and community, promote the importance of oral health, and celebrate the smiles that make our world brighter. 

By engaging in these activities, you can create a positive and lasting impact on your patients and reinforce the value of good dental hygiene. 

How will you finish out this week and participate in National Smiles Month?

---