"the People's Paths!" Cherokee News Path - Preschoolers Celebrate Dental Health Day

"Dental assistants Vickie Petree and Jenny Johnson recently visited with the students in the CN Early Childhood
Unit Head Start
in recognition of
Dental Health Month."

TAHLEQUAH, OKLAHOMA – In recognition of Dental Health Month, the Cherokee Nation Early Childhood Unit Head Start program in Tahlequah celebrated with a visit and activity from a pair of local dental assistants.

The Tahlequah classes partnered with the dental office of Dr. Tom McConnel and Associates to teach students the importance of good oral hygiene.

“The Cherokee Nation is proud to offer health education opportunities to our young people,” said Chad Smith, Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation. “We appreciate the service that the dental assistants offered to our Head Start Program.”

The American Dental Association held the first national observance of Children's Dental Health Day on February 8, 1949. This single day observance became a week-long event in 1955. In 1981, the program was extended to a month-long celebration known today as National Children's Dental Health Month.

Dental assistants Vickie Petree and Jenny Johnson taught the students about the different instruments and supplies used in a dentist’s office and instructed them on the proper way to care for their teeth. Upon completion of the presentation students received goodie bags filled with toothbrushes and toothpaste and made teeth puppets.

“This was a great presentation,” said Devon Rogers, Cherokee Nation Children’s Village Advocate. “We always strive to provide the students with the best health education possible. This was an educational and entertaining way for the children to learn about the importance of good oral hygiene.”