2024 -- H 7600

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LC004793

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2024

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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

     Referred To: House read and passed

     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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