[Congressional Bills 108th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Res. 518 Introduced in House (IH)]






108th CONGRESS
  2d Session
H. RES. 518

  Recognizing the efforts of the American Dental Association and the 
Nation's dentists, dental hygienists, dental assistants, and thousands 
 of volunteers to improve the dental health of disadvantaged children.


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                    IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

                            February 4, 2004

 Mr. Rangel submitted the following resolution; which was referred to 
                  the Committee on Energy and Commerce

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                               RESOLUTION


 
  Recognizing the efforts of the American Dental Association and the 
Nation's dentists, dental hygienists, dental assistants, and thousands 
 of volunteers to improve the dental health of disadvantaged children.

Whereas on February 6, 2004, at Give Kids a Smile care sites in communities 
        across the country, volunteer dentists, dental hygienists, dental 
        assistants, and thousands of other volunteers will deliver free dental 
        education, screening, and treatment services to disadvantaged children;
Whereas on a similar screening day in 2003, 1,000,000 children were examined and 
        treated;
Whereas it is a national disgrace that in 2004 millions of children in the 
        United States do not have access to basic preventive and restorative 
        dental care: thousands of children are unable to eat or sleep properly, 
        are unable to pay attention in school, and are unable to smile, because 
        they suffer from untreated disease that could easily have been prevented 
        and can easily be treated;
Whereas charity alone will never solve this problem, because charity is not a 
        health care system;
Whereas good oral health isn't just about teeth, it's about overall health, 
        preventing systemic disease, learning, development, self-esteem, and 
        employability;
Whereas programs to educate all parents in taking care of their children's teeth 
        should be supported;
Whereas water fluoridation and prevention programs should be encouraged and 
        supported; and
Whereas programs to improve the dental health of our children helps families, 
        communities, and the Nation, and they give kids a smile: Now, therefore, 
        be it
    Resolved, That the House of Representatives recognizes the efforts 
of the American Dental Association and the Nation's dentists, dental 
hygienists, dental assistants, and thousands of volunteers to improve 
the dental health of disadvantaged children.
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