The Michigan Dental Association's 16th annual coloring contest received more than 2,800 entries for another outstanding year! The contest has become an event kids, teachers, and dentists alike look forward to every year. The Michigan Dental Association and the Michigan Dental Foundation sponsored the statewide contest. As always, the contest was promoted statewide through Michigan newspapers, the Michigan Dental Association Web site, and Michigan Dental Association member dentists. A printable version of the contest was also offered on the Web site.

Each of the more than 2,800 participants received a “thank you” post card from the Michigan Dental Association and the Michigan Dental Foundation. Prizes were awarded to the first and second place winners in grades kindergarten through sixth grades. First prize winners received a $100 U.S. Savings Bond and second prize winners received a $50 U.S. Savings Bond. All winners also received a package of fun items including: art supplies, coloring books, dental posters, balloons, stickers and toothbrushes. Local newspapers in each winner’s hometown were provided with press releases.

The coloring contest takes place each February, which is National Children’s Dental Health Month. Michigan Dental Association staff responded to requests from teachers, hygienists, assistants, and member dentists for dental health education packets and videos for presentations to thousands of children throughout the state. Packets included the coloring contest, dental health education posters, reproducible coloring and activity sheets, a list for Michigan Dental Association's film library and other dental giveaways (stickers, toothbrushes, coloring books, etc.). The Michigan Dental Association also provided its “Sip All Day, Get Decay” poster, brochures and stickers to schools across the state.

Thanks again to all those who took time to promote positive oral health to children during National Children’s Dental Health Month! Let’s make next year another record-breaking one! Revisit this page in early January 2010 for information on the next Michigan Dental Association coloring contest.

Winners are displayed on the next several pages (dentists names are shown in parentheses):