Dental school wears purple for National Dental Hygiene Month

Dental hygiene students and faculty wear purple to recognize National Dental Hygiene Month at UTHealth Houston School of Dentistry. Photo by Kyle Rogers.

Throughout October, the UTHealth Houston School of Dentistry community wore purple each Tuesday to recognize National Dental Hygiene Month and highlight the contributions of dental hygienists to oral health.

Led by the American Dental Hygienists’ Association in collaboration with Colgate, the annual observance celebrates the dental hygiene profession and promotes the importance of preventive care.

Dental hygienists play an essential role in patient education and clinical care. Through routine dental visits, oral hygiene guidance, and early identification of potential concerns, they help patients protect their teeth and gums and support overall health.

Good oral hygiene habits, including brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, cleaning between the teeth daily, and keeping regular dental appointments, can help prevent tooth decay and gum disease. These practices support oral health throughout life.

By wearing purple, the School of Dentistry community recognized the dental hygienists who help patients build healthier habits and maintain healthy smiles.