| R 093 |
| 2026 -- H 7598 Enacted 02/10/2026 |
| 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 |
| 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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| LC003502 |
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