[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 32 (Thursday, February 27, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E299]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               IN RECOGNITION OF DONATED DENTAL SERVICES

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. J. DENNIS HASTERT

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 26, 2003

  Mr. HASTERT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the important 
contributions of Donated Dental Services to the dental health of 
elderly, disabled and medically compromised individuals across the 
nation.
  The freedom and individual rights at the core of our society come 
from a shared responsibility for the health and well-being of our 
communities and for each other. Many members of the dental profession 
embrace this responsibility by offering their professional services to 
vulnerable individuals.
  Since 1986, some 10,000 volunteer dentists across 32 states have 
provided an estimated $50 million in comprehensive dental care to 
44,000 needy individuals. The large volume of participation in Donated 
Dental Services clearly signifies a socially responsible and 
commendable commitment to expanding access to dental services for the 
underserved.
  Through a coordinated effort, Donated Dental Services will soon 
endeavor to double its humanitarian service potential by adding 10,000 
more volunteer dentists from across the country. This effort holds the 
promise of ensuring thousands more underserved Americans will receive 
access to dental care, thereby improving their quality of life and 
general well-being.
  I commend the thousands of dentists who volunteer their time with 
Donated Dental Services, and I congratulate the program for their 
commitment to increase charitable care for our nation's underserved.

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