Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer's Pal Hermey the Elf Recognized by the American Dental Association

Rudolph the red-Nosed Reindeer and his misfit friend Hermey the Elf will both go down in history. Teaching fans, friends and families a lesson in dedication and helping to share tips for dental health, 50 years later Hermey's dream is being recognized. The little elf from humble beginnings on the The Island of Misfit Toys kept true to his dreams of becoming a dentist and promoting good dental health to his friend Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and everyone in the North Pole, ceremoniously Hermey the Elf was officially named a DDG—Dental Do Gooder, by the president of the American Dental Association (ADA).
"Hermey's passion for dentistry, coupled with his devotion to helping others feel good about themselves inside and out, deserves recognition," said ADA President Maxine Feinberg, DDS. "I know Hermey the Elf, DDG, will continue to inspire young people and those who are young at heart to follow their dreams."

In celebration of Hermey's historical DDG designation, the ADA's website, MouthHealthy.org, features a fun dental health quiz for families and a sweepstakes drawing to win a very special Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer prize package. Enjoy free downloadable coloring book pages featuring Hermey and good dental health tips on the ADA's MouthHealthyKids.org.

The family favorite, animated classic "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer," tells the tale of how Rudolph and Hermey were initially rejected by their peers for being different, yet they go on to triumph when they show that their differences make them unique and helpful to their community. The program airs Tuesday, December 9 at 8 p.m. ET on CBS. 

Here are a few helpful dental health tips from the ADA for parents-

The ADA encourages parents with children who have expressed an interest in a career in dentistry, like Hermey, to visit ADA.org. The ADA also recommends these family-friendly tips for good dental health all year long: 

*Take your child to the dentist no later than his or her first birthday.
*Brush teeth two minutes twice a day with fluoride toothpaste that has earned the ADA Seal of Acceptance and supervise young children as they brush to make sure they spit out the toothpaste.
*Use a smear or rice-sized amount of toothpaste for children younger than three years old.
*Use a pea-sized amount of toothpaste for children three to six years old.
*When a child has two teeth that touch, begin flossing once a day.
*Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables, and drink fluoridated water—a healthy diet is important for dental and overall health.
*Replace toothbrushes every three to four months as frayed bristles can be less effective at cleaning teeth.
*Visit an ADA member dentist as directed. Regular dental visits can help prevent problems or catch them early when they are easier to treat.

Follow the ADA on Twitter @AmerDentalAssn