R 065

2021 -- S 0328 Enacted 02/23/2021

S E N A T E   R E S O L U T I O N

PROCLAIMING FEBRUARY OF 2021 TO BE CHILDREN’S DENTAL HEALTH MONTH

Introduced By: Senators DiMario, Mendes, Valverde, DiPalma, Sosnowski, Miller,

Date Introduced: February 23, 2021

WHEREAS, February is Children's Dental Health month and provides an opportunity to

recognize that a child's health and well-being are essential to the quality of life. A healthy mouth

is essential for self-esteem, success in school and is a vital component for overall health, which

are meant to last a lifetime; and

WHEREAS, Good dental habits are learned at an early age, reinforced by examples set

by parents, caregivers, older siblings and in collaboration with dental healthcare providers; and

WHEREAS, A child's teeth help with digestion, formulating speech patterns, maintain

space for the adult teeth during the growth of the child through puberty and with proper care,

nutritional guidance and regular dental visits, will increase a child's chances of maintaining their

teeth throughout their lifetime; and

WHEREAS, Childhood cavities remain the most prevalent chronic curable disease of

childhood and some 100 million Americans fail to visit their dental office; and

WHEREAS, Members of the dental community and community organizations devoted to

increasing access to care are dedicated to caring for the dental health needs of Rhode Island's

most vulnerable population and provides access for children who otherwise may not receive basic

and preventive care; and

WHEREAS, The future is, to a large measure, dependent on educating our youth on the

importance of developing and maintaining smart dental habits and good dietary choices

throughout their lives, and by observing these measures, their teeth can remain healthy and strong

into adulthood; now, therefore be it

RESOLVED, That this Senate of the State of Rhode Island hereby recognizes the vital

and often unrecognized benefits of a child's ability to access dental health educational programs

and receive dental treatment in promoting health for children and families and urges all citizens

and community organizations to recognize the observance of February as National 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 certified copies to Director Nicole Alexander-Scott, MD, MPH, Rhode Island

Department of Health, and Marie Jones-Bridges, CDA, RDH, PHDH, BS, Enterprise Clinical

Service Community Based Coordinator, RI Rite Smiles Dental.

========

LC001346

========