OHA at GNYDM

CHICAGO, Illinois--At an event at the 2010 Greater New York Dental Meeting, Oral Health America announced the launch of the Seal Two Million Campaign, committing to seal two million teeth for more than 500,000 at-risk children by 2020. To read more about Oral Health America, go to Oral Health America.Dental sealants are a plastic coating applied to the chewing surfaces of children’s teeth, and are a proven measure in fighting tooth decay (or cavities). Tooth decay is the most common chronic childhood disease in the United States. Children miss more than 51 million school hours each year due to dental-related illness.“It is almost unimaginable to many Americans that there are children in our communities who go to school unable to concentrate because their mouths are hurting from untreated tooth decay,” said Beth Truett, president and CEO, Oral Health America. “Our Smiles Across America program grantees, who provide preventive dental care services in school-based or school-linked settings, see children in pain every day. The Seal Two Million Campaign reflects our intention to expand the impact of our programs, and represents our commitment to ensuring that all children and families get the dental care they need.”DENTSPLY International, a 55-year supporter of Oral Health America, was host for the event, and led the dental industry and profession in pledging to support the Seal Two Million Campaign. “DENTSPLY International is a proud supporter of Oral Health America’s programs, and is honored to help raise awareness among the dental industry and profession of the Seal Two Million Campaign,” said Linda Niessen, DMD, chief clinical officer, DENTSPLY International. “We know that a gift to Oral Health America, whether it’s funding or donated dental product, is truly making a difference keeping children and adults healthy in school and at work.”This year, Oral Health America reached its previous goal, a commitment made to America’s Promise Alliance in 2000, to provide one million dental sealants for more than 225,000 children by 2010. Companies that have contributed donated more than one million dental sealants include DENTSPLY International, 3M ESPE, Pulpdent Corporation, Harry J. Bosworth Company, and Ivoclar Vivadent. “This type of commitment exemplifies the impact that the work of our 400+ alliance partners engage in every day to improve the lives of children and youth in this country,” said Marguerite W. Kondracke, president and CEO, America’s Promise Alliance. "It represents the kind of action that’s necessary to ensure our young people graduate high school healthy and prepared to reach their full potential. The alliance congratulates Oral Health America on this tremendous milestone and applauds them on their desire to extend this wonderful program because we know that the health of our young people is an essential ingredient for their overall success.”For more information, visit www.oralhealthamerica.org.To comment on this topic, go to community.pennwelldentalgroup.com/.