‘Just Say Gingivitis’contest opens lines of communication

According to The World Health Organization, oral diseases are a growing worldwide concern. A relevant point for Canadians, as an estimated 75 percent of us have gingivitis — the earliest and most treatable form of gum disease. Left untreated, gingivitis can progress to more serious periodontal disease, which has been linked to other systemic diseases including heart disease, diabetes, and low birth weight, pre-term babies. As more than 90 percent of Canadians don’t believe they have gingivitis, the second annual Just Say Gingivitis Contest is hoping to close that gap when it kicks off this spring. From April 1st to June 30th 2006, patients who discuss gingivitis with their dental professional will have an opportunity to win prizes valued at more than $9,000.
Promoted through dental trade advertising, public relations and direct mail, The Just Say Gingivitis Contest is open to dental patients across Canada. Enrolled dental offices will receive contest materials, including posters and waiting room ballot boxes. In addition, a list of helpful oral care tips including a ‘Did you Know?” fact sheet and overview on the oral health connection to overall health will be available to help initiate patient discussions about gingivitis.
Patients who participate in The Just Say Gingivitis Contest are eligible to win a $5,000 travel gift certificate towards the vacation of a lifetime, as well as one of three Panasonic 23″ Widescreen LCD TVs valued at $1,400 each.
“The feedback from participating dental professionals last year was absolutely outstanding,” says Lisa Mapplebeck, registered dental hygienist and Pfizer Associate Business Development Manager. “Comments ranged from how this contest opened the door to discussing gingivitis without feeling like a ‘lecture’, to having several unlikely patients ask about the condition and take an active interest in their oral health.”
Last year’s first annual Just Say Gingivitis Contest drew more than 8,000 entries, each one representing a gingivitis conversation between dental professionals and patients. New for 2006, the contest has been extended to run for three months across English and French Canada, with a longer registration period and extended professional outreach. For more information, just check out the website:www.justsaygingivitis.ca or www.gingivitis.ca/online_contest

RELATED NEWS

RESOURCES