Smile Alaska Style

Serena Murdock - Winning Smile

Smile Alaska Style Dental Health Promotion Campaign
The dental disease rate in the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta has been estimated by the US Public Health Service to be three to four times the national average. With the local population expected to double within the next 20 years, an increased effort in dental health promotion and disease prevention is critical.

Since 1990, the Yukon-Kuskokwim Health Corporation (YKHC) Dental Department has conducted a unique community campaign, which addresses this urgent problem. The "Smile Alaska Style Program" utilizes funding and prizes donated by concerned local businesses and organizations to hold an annual event day, which includes dental screenings, oral hygiene instruction, and smile photos.

Those individuals demonstrating excellent oral hygiene and a great smile are eligible for the prizes and become local role models to promote good oral health. 2008 will be the 19th anniversary for Smile Alaska Style.

---

Read about Smile Alaska Style 2004 in the Messenger

ADA news 1995  "flower in the tundra"