[View ALL News Press Releases] A healthy smile lasts a lifetime. That's good news, but it's also this year's theme for the celebration of National Dental Hygiene Month (NDHM) in October. In observance of this month, the Elizabethtown Community and Technical College chapter members of the Student American Dental Hygienists' Association, SADHA, are focusing public attention on the importance of the dental hygienists' role in educating patients on the potential link between oral health and systemic disease, and the importance of establishing good oral health habits at an early age. This year the celebration is expanded to focus on the entire family from infancy to geriatric oral health care. Good oral health practices are important at any age. Beginning with infancy and continuing until you are a senior, there are certain practices to focus on along the way which can greatly affect overall health. SADHA members are increasing public awareness about the necessity of proper oral health care for the whole family for National Dental Hygiene Month (NDHM). "Dental hygienists are excellent resources for oral health care throughout a lifetime," said Lois Chandler-Cousins, RDH, ECTC Site-Coordinator. "Whether getting off on the right foot with an infant's care, or improving oral health care for seniors, it's never too late to encourage a healthy mouth."

The dental hygiene profession was founded in 1913. Today there are more than 120,000 registered dental hygienists across the U.S. who provide professional oral health care to help people maintain healthy smiles and healthy bodies. Registered dental hygienists (RDHs) are licensed professionals who complete extensive formal education and clinical preparation in preventive oral health care techniques. ECTC offers both a dental hygiene and dental assisting program. For more information on the programs or to have a student make a presentation for your organization, please contact Lois Chandler-Cousins at 270-706-8567.