Children’s Dental Health Month Recognition Resolution of 2026

ENROLLED ORIGINAL
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A CEREMONIAL RESOLUTION

26-128

IN THE COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

February 3, 2026

To declare the month of February 2026 as “Children’s Dental Health Month” in the District of
Columbia, and to recognize the importance of oral health for children and the dedicated
work of pediatric dentists and other oral health practitioners, educators, and caregivers
across the District.

WHEREAS, tooth decay is one of the most common chronic conditions of childhood and
can cause pain, infection, and missed school when left untreated, yet is largely preventable
through regular dental visits, daily oral hygiene, and evidence-based preventive services;

WHEREAS, children under the age of six are at elevated risk for early childhood caries,
and early prevention and timely treatment help protect children’s overall health and readiness to
learn;

WHEREAS, oral health outcomes and access to care reflect longstanding inequities, and
Black and African American District residents and communities with lower income experience
disproportionate burdens of untreated decay, tooth loss, and dental pain;

WHEREAS, ensuring that children enrolled in public coverage can receive preventive
care is critical, and in FY 2024 approximately 41 percent of District children under age 21
enrolled in DC Medicaid received a preventive service from a dentist;

WHEREAS, preventive interventions such as dental sealants can reduce tooth decay, and
strengthening outreach and access to preventive services is an important opportunity to improve
children’s oral health outcomes in the District;

WHEREAS, pediatric dentists and pediatric oral health teams provide specialized, child-
centered care, including preventive screenings and sealants and restorative treatment as they help
children and families build healthy habits, reduce dental anxiety, and establish lifelong oral
health routines;

WHEREAS, the District is strengthened by an oral health workforce that includes 1,083
licensed dentists, with pediatric dentistry among the top reported specialties among dentists
practicing in the District, representing 4.9 percent of dentists practicing in DC;
ENROLLED ORIGINAL
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WHEREAS, DC Health’s School-Based Oral Health Program increases access to clinical
and non-clinical dental services, links children to dental homes, and helps reduce the negative
impact of poor oral health on student preparedness and readiness to learn;

WHEREAS, each February, the American Dental Association sponsors National
Children’s Dental Health Month to promote good oral hygiene, encourage early preventive care,
and support lifelong healthy habits;

WHEREAS, recognizing Children’s Dental Health Month provides an opportunity to
celebrate District providers, schools, and families, and to reaffirm the District’s commitment to
ensuring every child can grow up healthy and thrive with a bright smile.

RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, That this
resolution may be cited as the “Children’s Dental Health Month Recognition Resolution of
2026”.

Sec. 2. The Council of the District of Columbia declares the month of February 2026 as
“Children’s Dental Health Month” in the District of Columbia and commends pediatric dentists,
oral health practitioners, public health professionals, educators, community providers, and
families for their continued efforts to promote prevention, expand access to care, and ensure that
every child in the District has the opportunity to achieve lifelong oral health and well-being.

Sec. 3. This resolution shall take effect immediately.