(PHOENIX, Ariz., Oct. 14, 2004) - In recognition of National Dental Hygiene Month, Phoenix College dental hygiene students will host an information table during the Homecoming Pep Rally set for Wednesday, Oct. 20 from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. in Sophomore Square. The students will also offer information during the Saturday, Oct. 23 JamBEARee: A Blue & Gold Rush from 3:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.

The American Dental Hygienists' Association (ADHA) and dental hygienists across the country will be working to raise awareness about the tragic side effects of tobacco use, the leading cause of preventable death and disability in the United States.

According to a press release issued by ADHA, oral cancer, which is more common than melanoma and leukemia, will kill 7,000 people and 30,000 will be diagnosed with it this year alone. It also states that "75 percent of these cases are preventable and almost 90 percent are treatable if detected in its early stages."

ADHA is the largest national organization representing the professional interests of the more than 120,000 dental hygienists across the country. Dental hygienists are preventive oral health professionals, licensed in dental hygiene, who provide educational, clinical and therapeutic services that support total health through the promotion of optimal oral health.

For more information on either of these informational events, please call (602) 285-7324.

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