[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 60 (Saturday, April 12, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E770]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 RECOGNIZING THE DR. SAMUEL D. HARRIS NATIONAL MUSEUM OF DENTISTRY AS 
     THE OFFICIAL NATIONAL MUSEUM OF DENTISTRY IN THE UNITED STATES

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. ELIJAH E. CUMMINGS

                              of maryland

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, April 11, 2003

  Mr. CUMMINGS. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to rise today to announce the 
introduction of a resolution to recognize the Dr. Samuel D. Harris 
National Museum of Dentistry, located in Baltimore, Maryland, as the 
official national museum of dentistry in the United States.
  As the most comprehensive dental museum in the world, it is a 
national and international resource whose primary mission is to educate 
people, especially children, about the history of dentistry and the 
importance of good oral hygiene. The museum uses state-of-the-art, 
interactive exhibitions and expert presentations to deliver the message 
that oral health is important to achieve overall health. Currently, the 
museum is displaying an exhibit entitled, ``The Future Is Now! African 
Americans in Dentistry.''
  The museum is affiliated with the University of Maryland at 
Baltimore, home of the world's first dental school, founded in 1840. It 
contains hundreds of interesting and significant dental artifacts, not 
the least of which is George Washington's dentures. It also serves as a 
national center of learning with an extensive library from which 
scholars may study the evolution of dental treatment and learn of the 
numerous accomplishments of the dental profession over the years.
  Most importantly, this museum is a reminder to all of us that oral 
and general health are inseparable, and good dental care is critical to 
our overall physical health and well-being. While oral health in 
America has improved dramatically over the last 50 years, these 
improvements have not occurred evenly across all sectors of our 
population, particularly among low-income individuals and families. Too 
many Americans today lack access to dental care. According to the 
report, ``Oral Health in America: A Report of the Surgeon General'', an 
estimated 25 million Americans live in areas lacking adequate dental 
services.
  Unfortunately, states are facing extremely tight budgets, and have 
been forced to implement difficult cost containment measures and 
unpopular proposals to generate revenue savings--tax increases, cuts in 
education and cuts/elimination of Medicaid services. As a result, 
Medicaid programs have taken a direct hit, and dentistry has already 
become a target for program cuts--17 states reducing or eliminating 
adult dental services between 2002-2003. As a result, medically needy 
groups, including the frail elderly, will no longer have access to 
necessary dental treatment.
  Passage of my resolution to make the Dr. Samuel D. Harris National 
Museum of Dentistry the official national museum of dentistry in the 
United States will shine a bright light on the problem some Americans 
face in accessing dental care.
  The museum is endorsed by the American Dental Association, National 
Dental Association, American Dental Education Association, American 
College of Dentists, International College of Dentists, and the 
American Academy of the History of Dentistry, among others.
  Please join me in supporting this national treasure by becoming a 
cosponsor of this important resolution. Thank you.

                          ____________________