Summary: 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 a child's self-esteem and overall health. The resolution highlights statistics from the CDC, indicating 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 stresses the need for 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, noting the state's low dentist-to-population ratio and the aging dental workforce. It calls for investment in dental education and training programs to cultivate a new generation of dental professionals, including dentists, hygienists, and assistants. The Senate urges citizens and community organizations to participate in the observance of Children's Dental Health Month, promoting initiatives that enhance dental health awareness and workforce development in the state. The resolution has been placed on the Senate Consent Calendar.