Nothing But Smiles as Oral Health Month is Celebrated in Ontario's Legislature

TORONTO, April 14, 2014 /CNW/ - Members of Provincial Parliament (MPPs) from all three parties celebrated April as Oral Health Month in the Legislative Assembly of Ontario today.  Mr. Steve Clark, MPP Leeds-Grenville, introduced the motion for MPPs to wear pins in the House to symbolize the Legislature's support for Oral Health Month.

During April, the Ontario Dental Association (ODA) and dentists across Ontario embark on public education campaigns to ensure all Ontarians attain good oral health. Oral health is integral to overall health and this year, the ODA wants to reinforce the message that dentists are the oral health-care experts and the best resource patients have for information on achieving a healthy smile.

Some Oral Health Month activities include participation by local MPPs and dentists in Brush-a-mania, an event which encourages students to be proactive with their oral health by promoting the importance of brushing, flossing, and a nutritious diet.

2014 marks the first time that Oral Health Month has been recognized in Ontario's Legislature, a milestone for the ODA. Dr. Rick Caldwell, President of the ODA, was humbled by the recognition.  "As a practising dentist and President of the Ontario Dental Association, I know how important our message can be for all ages — maintaining good oral health is fundamental to attaining optimal overall health.  I'm pleased that many MPPs participated in local Oral Health Month activities with students this year, and delighted that Oral Health Month was recognized in Ontario's Legislature." 

Mr. Clark hosted a Brush-a-mania event in his riding, and was joined by Dr. Kim Hansen, a Board member of the ODA. "It was important to bring the message of good oral health to students in my riding at Benson Public School," said Mr. Clark. "Dr. Hansen and I had a wonderful experience showing students how to brush and floss properly. I'm always happy to deliver positive messages to students in the hope that we will give our youth the tools to be as healthy as possible now, and in the future." 

Mr. Clark added, "I think it's important that as Legislators we recognize the vital role of dentists as leaders of the oral health-care team."

Also supporting the motion and participating at a school event in his riding at Silver Springs Public School was Mr. Bas Balkissoon, MPP Scarborough-Rouge River. "I know how important it is to maintain oral health throughout the formative years. Helping children and youth to understand the significant role they play in their own oral health through a fun, educational program such as Brush-a-mania is a delight for me."

Mr. Balkissoon, who has worked with Dr. Raffy Chouljian, an ODA Board member, over the years, calls it "a wonderful, educational experience."

"The event at Crescent Town Elementary School in Beaches-East York was my first Brush-a-mania experience and I was happy to see so many students excited about brushing and flossing," said Mr. Michael Prue, MPP Beaches-East York.  "I hope that the message we delivered to students will resonate with them, and that we encourage children and youth to be proactive about their oral health."

Oral Health Month continues throughout April with various events across the province.  To learn more about Oral Health Month, go to www.youroralhealth.ca.

SOURCE: Ontario Dental Association

For more information or to inquire about events in your area, contact: Janiece Walsh, Manager, Public Affairs and Communications, Ontario Dental Association, 416-355-2275 or [email protected]