Some lucky youngster will win a cash prize of $600 through the Oklahoma Dental Association's (ODA) fifth annual poster contest. Intended to encourage dental awareness and the practice of good oral health, the competition is open to every fourth grader in the state.
Held in conjunction with National Children's Dental Health Month (NCDHM), the theme for this year's contest is "Don't Let Your Smile Become Extinct." All posters should be original, positive and focus on ways to get and maintain healthy smiles.
Prizes will be awarded at both the district and state level. District winners will be awarded $100 for first place, $60 for second and $40 for third. In addition, the first-place district winners will receive a free half-gallon of Braum's ice cream every week for a year. Teachers of district-level first place winners will also be awarded $100. State winners, selected from the district champions, will be awarded $500 for first place, $300 for second and $200 for third.
"The poster contest is an effective way for children to focus on the basics of good oral health. We hope every fourth grader in the state will participate," Andrew Guthrie, DDS said.
Contest rules specify: 8.5 x 14 inch paper or poster board only; use bright colors and original slogans; no syndicated characters or computer-aided graphics of any kind; and the ability to reproduce the poster will factor into the judges' decisions. Entry forms, posted on the ODA website at www.okdentassoc.org , should be completed and attached to the back of each poster.
Entries must be postmarked by February 28th, 2002, and mailed to the attention of Jessica at the Oklahoma Dental Association, 629 N.W. Grand Blvd., Suite A, Oklahoma City, OK 73118. Further information about the contest may be obtained by calling the ODA at (405) 848-8873 or (800) 876-8890.
Founded in 1907, the Oklahoma Dental Association has more than 1,400 member dentists. The association is committed to improving the public's oral health and advancing the art and science of dentistry while maintaining the highest ethical standards in the profession.
