EDITORS & NEWS DIRECTORS: Please include in community calendars. 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

WEST ALLIS, WIS., Jan. 14, 2008 – The Greater Milwaukee Dental Association will celebrate National Children’s Dental Health Month by hosting its 18th annual Smile Day at the Milwaukee County Zoo, 10001 W. Bluemound Rd., Milwaukee on Feb. 9, 2008 from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Families receive free admission to the zoo and parking.

In addition to exploring the zoo, Smile Day families are encouraged to visit the Peck Welcome Center for special dental health fun.

Students from Marquette University School of Dentistry and the dental hygiene programs at Milwaukee Area Technical College and Waukesha County Technical College will offer face painting, ceramic toothbrush holders for personalizing and visits with the tooth fairy, along with educational demonstrations for children on oral health issues and dental hygiene. Illusionist Ardan James will present two magic shows.

Every child who visits the Peck Welcome Center will also receive a free toothbrush.

Approximately 130 volunteers are expected to help with Smile Day 2008, according to general dentist and event chairman Dr. Michael Shimeta.

Delta Dental of Wisconsin is again underwriting the day’s activities. 

Established in 1870, the Wisconsin Dental Association (WDA) is headquartered in West Allis. With more than 2,900 members statewide, the WDA represents the vast majority of practicing dentists in Wisconsin. Its members are committed to promoting professional excellence and quality oral health care. The WDA is one of 53 constituent (state-territorial) dental societies of the American Dental Association - the largest and oldest national dental association in the world. The Greater Milwaukee Dental Association serves Milwaukee County. For more information on the WDA, call 414-276-4520 or visit www.wda.org.

February is National Children’s Dental Health Month

CONTACT:                 Carol S. Weber, APR, Director of Public Relations
PHONE:                     414-755-4108
E-MAIL:                     cweber@wda.org