2026 -- H 7598

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LC003502

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2026

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H O U S E   R E S O L U T I O N

RECOGNIZING FEBRUARY OF 2026, AS "NATIONAL CHILDREN'S DENTAL HEALTH

MONTH" IN THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

     Introduced By: Representatives Kislak, Shekarchi, Blazejewski, Chippendale, Morales,
Corvese, Kennedy, Ajello, Edwards, and Solomon

     Date Introduced: February 10, 2026

     Referred To: House read and passed

     WHEREAS, Oral health is an essential component of overall health and well-being, and

establishing healthy habits early in life is critical to lifelong wellness; and

     WHEREAS, Childhood dental caries (cavities) remains the most prevalent chronic - but

preventable - disease among children in the United States; and

     WHEREAS, Despite recommendations from the American Dental Association (ADA),

and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), for a first dental visit by age one, nearly 74

percent of children in the United States have not had a dental visit before their first birthday; and

     WHEREAS, Collaboration between primary care providers and dental professionals is

vital to reducing emergency room visits for dental-related conditions and preventing the need for

extensive restorative care under general anesthesia for children as young as three; and

     WHEREAS, Barriers to oral health equity persist, limiting access to preventive services

such as cleanings, fluoride treatments, sealants, and restorative care, and educational materials in

multiple languages are essential to improving oral health literacy for all families; and

     WHEREAS, At a time when mental health is a priority, oral health education emphasizes

the role of oral health in self-esteem and overall well-being; and issues such as tooth decay, bad

breath, missing teeth, or malalignment can significantly impact an individual's confidence and

mental health, reinforcing the importance of comprehensive care; and

     WHEREAS, The dental professional workforce shortage is at a critical level, and a

strategic effort must be implemented to expose individuals to diverse career opportunities beyond

traditional paths, ensuring a sustainable and inclusive oral health workforce for the future; and

     WHEREAS, The State of Rhode Island has implemented measures to increase access to

care, including Public Health Dental Hygienists (PHDH), Community Health Workers (CHW),

increased Medicaid reimbursements, and expanded use of mobile dental vans and school-based

clinics through Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs); and

     WHEREAS, Continued collaboration within communities to promote oral health literacy

and equitable access to care is necessary to ensure all children can maintain healthy habits for a

lifetime; now, therefore be it

     RESOLVED, That this House of Representatives of the State of Rhode Island hereby

recognizes February of 2026 as "National Children's Dental Health Month" and encourages all

residents to support efforts that promote oral health education, preventive care, and healthy habits

for every child; and be it further

     RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and hereby is authorized and directed to

transmit a duly certified copy of this resolution to the Rhode Island Dental Association.

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