THE Philippine Dental Association (PDA) leads the nation in the month-long celebration of the 6th National Dental Health Month. This annual celebration started in 1951 originally as  the National Dental Health Week.  By virtue of Proclamation No. 559 issued by President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo in 2004,  it had been extended into a month-long celebration.  The entire month of February has since been celebrated as the National Dental Health Month. This celebration enjoins dentists, students, dental schools and relevant government agencies and professional organizations to reach out to more people with no access to dental services most especially those who are in the countryside.  This event also emphasizes the need for educating the public in order to make them more aware of the value of good oral/dental health.  The 6th NDHM will kick-off a week before the month of February, on January 24, 2010, with an annual "Alay Parada" at the Quirino Grandstand, Luneta Park, Manila.  This year's NDHM will be celebrated with the theme: "Ngipin Alagaan, Pagkain Pahalagahan.  Maganda Mong Ngiti, Yaman ng Bayan".

All PDA Members from the NCR, Region 3 and Region 4 chapters, all Affiliates, Dental Colleges are invited to participate in the Alay Parada. All participants are requested to be in their best "Mardi Gras" costume. The Assembly area will be at the gorund area opposite the Quirino Grandstand.  Registration will start at 4am until 6am at a designated Registration booth near the Quirino Grandstand.  The parade will start at exactly 6am.  Late comers will be placed at the endline of ther corresponding group.  All participants will be grouped into chapters, affiliates and dental colleges.