Brighten the 80s

Illustration of smiling sun wearing sunglasses above a toothbrush with toothpaste.  Black text on an orange background.

In order to promote proper dental hygiene, the Dairy Council and the American Dental Association (ADA) joined forces in its annual observance of National Children’s Dental Health Week on February, 1980. The theme of the event was “Smile America. Brighten the 80s,” during which the ADA would reinforce programs and instructions that pointed out the importance of good brushing and flossing techniques. Efforts included school demonstrations by dental hygienists on how to prevent dental problems.  The McDonalds restaurant franchise would also help with the effort with visits to schools by the restaurant’s official company spokesman, Ronald McDonald, to educate children on proper dental hygiene.