February is National Children’s Dental Health Month (NCDHM)—a time to highlight the importance of oral health for children. Healthy teeth don’t just lead to a bright smile; they’re essential for proper nutrition, speech development, self-confidence, and overall wellbeing.
Yet many children in the United States face barriers to maintaining good oral health. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 1 in 5 children aged 5–11 has at least one untreated decayed tooth. Dental issues can cause pain, infection, difficulty eating, and even missed school days. In fact, dental problems are among the top reasons for missed school hours, impacting both learning and social development.
The consequences extend far beyond the classroom. Poor oral health can affect overall health, contributing to infections, heart issues, and long-term complications. Access to preventive dental care is not equal: children from low-income families and underserved communities are disproportionately affected.
PRASAD Children’s Dental Health Program: Serving Multiple Generations in Sullivan County
For over 28 years, PRASAD Children’s Dental Health Program (PRASAD CDHP) has been bringing healthy smiles to generations of families in Sullivan County, New York through our state-of-the-art mobile dental clinic. Our clinic parks at local schools, providing a full range of dental services—including exams, cleanings, X-rays, fillings, extractions, sealants, and fluoride treatments—directly to children who might otherwise lack access to care.
“We have grandparents and parents who were our patients, and now they bring their children because of their own positive experience,” shares Dr. M Cecilia Escarra, Executive Director of PRASAD.
Thanks to this continuity, PRASAD CDHP has already served three generations of families since its founding in 1998. Today, grandchildren often come to us because their mothers—and even grandmothers—once received care through our program.
By making dental care accessible and convenient, PRASAD CDHP helps children maintain good oral health, which in turn allows them to study, play, and sleep better, which lays the foundation for lifelong success.
How Parents and Communities Can Celebrate NCDHM
This month is a perfect opportunity to:
Encourage good dental habits at home, like brushing twice a day and flossing
Schedule regular dental checkups as soon as a child’s first tooth appears
To support this effort, PRASAD CDHP is sharing a free dental-themed coloring book to encourage healthy habits in children:
PRASAD’s Lasting Impact
PRASAD CDHP is just one example of PRASAD’s global health initiatives. As a not-for-profit organization, PRASAD serves economically disadvantaged communities worldwide, focusing on health, wellbeing, and sustainable development.
Learn more about PRASAD’s work and how you can support programs like the Children’s Dental Health Program this month: PRASAD Website
