2025 -- S 0160

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LC001093

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2025

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S E N A T E   R E S O L U T I O N

PROCLAIMING FEBRUARY OF 2025, TO BE "CHILDREN'S DENTAL HEALTH MONTH"

IN THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

     Introduced By: Senator Alana DiMario

     Date Introduced: February 03, 2025

     Referred To: Placed on the Senate Consent Calendar

     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; and

     WHEREAS, 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, For elementary students, 2.1 days of missed school were do to dental

problems, and high school students missed 2.3 days due to dental issues; 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, As of November of 2023, 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 Senate 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 Senate hereby proclaims February of 2025, 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, Kathleen Macleod, Director at RI Dental Hygienist Association, and

Andrew Gazerro, III, DMD, President of the RI Dental Association.

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LC001093

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