SENATE RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING FEBRUARY OF 2026, AS "NATIONAL CHILDREN'S DENTAL HEALTH MONTH" IN THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

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2026 -- S 2515
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STATE OF RHODE ISLAND
IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY
JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2026
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S E N A T 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:
Senators DiPalma, Raptakis, Acosta, DiMario, Famiglietti, Ujifusa,
Appollonio, Urso, Tikoian, and Thompson

Date Introduced:
February 10, 2026

Referred To:
Recommended for Immediate Consideration
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WHEREAS, Oral health is an essential component of overall health and well-being, and
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establishing healthy habits early in life is critical to lifelong wellness; and
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WHEREAS, Childhood dental caries (cavities) remains the most prevalent chronic - but
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preventable - disease among children in the United States; and
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WHEREAS, Despite recommendations from the American Dental Association (ADA),
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and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), for a first dental visit by age one, nearly 74
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percent of children in the United States have not had a dental visit before their first birthday; and
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WHEREAS, Collaboration between primary care providers and dental professionals is
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vital to reducing emergency room visits for dental-related conditions and preventing the need for
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extensive restorative care under general anesthesia for children as young as three; and
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WHEREAS, Barriers to oral health equity persist, limiting access to preventive services
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such as cleanings, fluoride treatments, sealants, and restorative care, and educational materials in
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multiple languages are essential to improving oral health literacy for all families; and
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WHEREAS, At a time when mental health is a priority, oral health education emphasizes
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the role of oral health in self-esteem and overall well-being; and issues such as tooth decay, bad
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breath, missing teeth, or malalignment can significantly impact an individual's confidence and
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mental health, reinforcing the importance of comprehensive care; and
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WHEREAS, The dental professional workforce shortage is at a critical level, and a
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strategic effort must be implemented to expose individuals to diverse career opportunities beyond

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traditional paths, ensuring a sustainable and inclusive oral health workforce for the future; and
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WHEREAS, The State of Rhode Island has implemented measures to increase access to
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care, including Public Health Dental Hygienists (PHDH), Community Health Workers (CHW),
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increased Medicaid reimbursements, and expanded use of mobile dental vans and school-based
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clinics through Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs); and
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WHEREAS, Continued collaboration within communities to promote oral health literacy
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and equitable access to care is necessary to ensure all children can maintain healthy habits for a
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lifetime; now, therefore be it
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RESOLVED, That this Senate of the State of Rhode Island hereby recognizes February
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of 2026 as "National Children's Dental Health Month" and encourages all residents to support
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efforts that promote oral health education, preventive care, and healthy habits for every child; and
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be it further
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RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and hereby is authorized and directed to
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transmit a duly certified copy of this resolution to the Rhode Island Dental Association.
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