Recognizing February of 2026, as "National Children's Dental Health Month" in the State of Rhode Island

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 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 Senate 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.