[View ALL News Press Releases] Dental hygiene students from Elizabethtown Community and Technical College (ECTC) will be visiting local elementary schools to make presentations as part of the local observance of National Children's Dental Health Month.

The annual observance of children's dental health began as a one-day event in Cleveland, Ohio in 1941. During that year, Feb. 3-7 was designated as Children's Dental Health Week in Akron, Ohio. Since 1949, National Children's Dental Health Month has grown from a two-city event into a nationwide program to raise awareness about the importance of oral health by providing oral health education to all children.

Developing good habits at an early age and scheduling regular dental visits helps children get a good start on a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums. The 2009 Campaign features the continuing adventures of the "Tough Tooth Team" with the slogan-Turn-Up Your Smile Power.

ECTC dental hygiene students are currently providing preventive services at the campus on Fridays. They will be treating patients through the end of April. ECTC students provide dental health services to the public which include exam, dental cleaning, radiographs (x-rays) and fluoride treatments. The clinic's services are provided at reduced fees covering all treatments throughout the visit.

All procedures are provided by students under the supervision of registered dental hygienists and a supervising dentist. Patients should plan on visits taking additional time beyond what would be required at a regular dental office, as this is an educational setting with evaluation of procedures by instructors after each step.

Information about the having the students visit your students at your school or to make an appointment for a dental cleaning is available by calling 270-706-8568.