News and Events
2027 Community Water Fluoridation Grant Opportunity
The Oral Health Office at the Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) is excited to announce we are now accepting applications for the 2027 Fluoridation Grant Opportunity. The grant will be competitive, and those awarded will have the opportunity to receive up to $25,000.00 each to initiate, expand, or update Community Water Fluoridation (CWF) practices.
Applications must be received by 5:00 PM CST on Friday, September 18, 2026. All applications received after this date will not be accepted.
Ninth Annual "Share Your Smile with Alabama" Photo Contest
The Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) is excited to announce the winners of our ninth annual “Share Your Smile with Alabama” statewide photo contest: Kaydense Anthony-Johnson from Macon County, who attends George Washington Carver Elementary School in Tuskegee, and Caleb Patterson from Montgomery County, who attends MacMillan International Magnet School in Montgomery. Please see our news release below for full details.
- Third grade studentes selected winners of the 2026 "Share Your Smile with Alabama" competition (January 8, 2026)
- News Conference: "Share Your Smile with Alabama" Winners Announced (January 8, 2026)
October is National Dental Hygiene Month
This year, National Dental Hygiene Month (NDHM) is celebrating the work of dental hygienists in promoting oral health access for all. Getting the right diagnosis and treatment for each patient requires expertise and determination. With that in mind, the 2024 NDHM theme is "The Power of Dental Hygiene Through Case Studies."
The American Dental Hygienists' Association is encouraging dental hygienists and other dental professionals and supporters across the country to get involved with NDHM this October to increase public awareness of the oral health - total health connection and the importance of educating the entire family on situations which impact their oral health.
It is imperative to start early with a daily oral care routine to help prevent cavities and periodontal disease. NDHM is the perfect time to spread that message even more - while celebrating the profession of dental hygiene!
April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month
April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month, and the Mitchell Cancer Insitute in collaboration with the Oral Health Office would like to remind you to Watch Your Mouth! Take action to prevent oral cancer by performing your own 7-step self-exam in between dental visits. For more information on oral cancer screenings, visit the National Cancer Institute. For more resources on the #WatchYourMouth Campaign, visit Oral Health Education.
The American Cancer Society estimates that about 53,260 people will be diagnosed this year with oral cavity and oropharyngeal cancers, including tonsil cancer. In the PSA below, Dr. David Bronner, CEO of the Retirement Systems of Alabama, encourages Alabamians to have regular health check-ups and screenings with dentists.
Watch it on YouTube. Watch the longer version where Dr. Bronner discusses his cancer diagnosis and experience.
Count the Kicks Training: Oral Health and Prenatal Care Go Hand in Hand
Count the Kicks is an evidence-based stillbirth prevention campaign focusing on educating expectant parents on the importance of tracking fetal movement in the 3rd trimester. By connecting the dots between good oral healthcare in pregnancy and stillbirth prevention with your patients, you can reach more expectant parents with evidence-based information.
We are proud to announce that you have access to a FREE Count the Kicks training endorsed by the Alabama Dental Board. The Board of Dental Examiners of Alabama has approved 2 hours of CE for watching the Count the Kicks training video, reviewing the material in the Resources section of the training, and completing a short Review Survey. The Oral Health Office of the Alabama Department of Public Health is excited to provide the CEs at no cost to Alabama licensed dentists and hygienists.
See our News and Events Archive.
Page last updated: July 10, 2026
