The Senate resolution introduced by Senator Alana DiMario proclaims February 2025 as "Children's Dental Health Month" in Rhode Island. This initiative aims to raise awareness about the importance of oral health for children, emphasizing that good dental hygiene contributes to their overall well-being and self-esteem. The resolution highlights alarming statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), noting that tooth decay is the most prevalent chronic disease among children in the U.S., leading to significant school absenteeism and poor academic performance. It advocates for the development of healthy dental habits from an early age and the necessity of regular dental visits to ensure children maintain healthy teeth and gums.
Additionally, the resolution addresses the challenges faced by Rhode Island in terms of dental care access, citing a low dentist-to-population ratio and the aging dental workforce. It calls for investment in training and promoting careers in dentistry to improve oral health services for residents. The Senate urges citizens and community organizations to participate in the observance of Children's Dental Health Month, reinforcing the importance of oral health education and workforce development in the state. The resolution concludes by directing the Secretary of State to transmit certified copies to relevant dental health organizations and leaders.