Hawai‘i Governor’s Proclamation: February As Children’s Dental Health Month

On Sunday, February 18, 2024, the Hawai‘i Dental Service (HDS) Foundation held its 18th annual Tooth Fairy Fun Day, which took place at Hawai‘i Children’s Discovery Center in Kaka‘ako, Hawai‘i. Families filed in, hand in hand with their keiki with bright smiles, excitement, and joy. All in attendance had a chance to meet the Tooth Fairy and receive free dental screenings and many other free interactive activities for the whole family, promoting the importance of oral health and its connection to overall wellness.

As stated in the Proclamation, National Children’s Dental Health Month in February is a reminder that it is everyone’s kuleana to make oral health care a priority for keiki in our state and to promote the benefits of a healthy smile. One of HDS Foundation’s oral health initiatives, Dentist by One, emphasizes the importance of early dental care for all children.

Dr. Diane Paloma, HDS Chief Executive Officer, shared, “Going to the dentist can be fun, it can be an educational  and necessary part to take care of your health.”  HDS’ mantra of the day was “Brush, floss, and see your dentist!” So spread the word! Let’s show our keiki that going to the dentist can be fun, that caring for our smile is taking care of our whole self, and that doing these things often and together can help make every day, not just February, a fairy tale.

For more information or to learn about the Hawai‘i Oral Health Coalition, visit hawaiioralhealthcoaltion.org or contact us at info@hiohc.org.