| R 092 |
| 2024 -- H 7600 Enacted 02/14/2024 |
| H O U S E R E S O L U T I O N |
| PROCLAIMING FEBRUARY OF 2024, TO BE "CHILDREN'S DENTAL HEALTH MONTH" IN THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND |
Introduced By: Representatives Kislak, Shekarchi, Blazejewski, Chippendale, McNamara, Slater, Diaz, Corvese, Tanzi, and Fenton-Fung |
| Date Introduced: February 14, 2024 |
| WHEREAS, The recognition of February as Children's Dental Health Month provides a |
| month-long statewide dental health observance bringing together thousands of dedicated |
| professionals, healthcare providers, and educators to promote the benefits of good oral health to |
| children, their caregivers, teachers, and many others; and |
| WHEREAS, Children's teeth are meant to last a lifetime, and a healthy smile is important |
| to a child's self-esteem. With proper care, a balanced diet and regular dental visits, their teeth can |
| remain healthy and strong. Oral health is integral to overall health; and |
| WHEREAS, According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), tooth |
| decay, also known as cavities, is the most common chronic childhood disease in the United States |
| and the leading cause of missed school among children. On average, 34 million school hours and |
| two million days are lost each year because of unplanned or emergency dental care; and |
| WHEREAS, Roughly nine million children, ages six to twelve, miss school because of an |
| oral health issue. Sadly, kids with poor oral health are three times more likely to miss school and |
| two times more likely to academically perform poorly; and |
| WHEREAS, Developing good habits at an early age and scheduling regular dental visits |
| helps children to get a good start on a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums. Great oral health leads |
| to more time in the classroom and better overall performance in school; and |
| WHEREAS, The average age of a dentist in Rhode Island is 62. Rhode Island must both |
| train and invest in the entire dental team - dentists, dental hygienists, dental assistants, dental |
| office managers – along with health and human services leaders interested in oral health, to bring |
| oral care to our residents; and |
| WHEREAS, Rhode Island has a “dentist to population ratio” that is the lowest of all the |
| New England states and lower than the national average which impacts access and challenges |
| exist in finding hygienists for dental offices. Promoting a career in dentistry for Rhode Islanders |
| is critical and that programs that include dental careers such as CCRI, the new dental assisting |
| training program at East Providence High School, and having exposure at a dental table at the |
| recent Junior Achievement event are vital for the State; and |
| WHEREAS, Rhode Island should continue to explore innovative ways to bolster the |
| dental workforce for the sake of the dental health of young and old; now, therefore be it |
| RESOLVED, That this House of Representatives of the State of Rhode Island hereby |
| urges all citizens and community organizations to observe February as National Children's Dental |
| Health Month; and be it further |
| RESOLVED, That this House hereby proclaims February of 2024, to be “Children's |
| Dental Health Month” in the State of Rhode Island; and be it further |
| RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and hereby is authorized and directed to |
| transmit duly certified copies of this resolution to Executive Director, Aaron Guckian, the Rhode |
| Island Dental Association, Dr. Samuel Zwetchkenbaum, State Dental Director, Rhode Island |
| Department of Health, Marie Jones Bridges, Director at RI Dental Hygienist Association, and Dr. |
| Fred Hartman, President of the RI Dental Association. |
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| LC004793 |
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