[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 140 (Tuesday, October 7, 2003)]
[House]
[Pages H9238-H9241]
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

  Mr. NEY. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the 
joint resolution (H.J. Res. 52) recognizing the Dr. Samuel D. Harris 
National Museum of Dentistry, an affiliate of the Smithsonian 
Institution in Baltimore, Maryland, as the official national museum of 
dentistry in the United States.
  The Clerk read as follows:

                              H.J. Res. 52

       Whereas the Dr. Samuel D. Harris National Museum of 
     Dentistry, an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution, is an 
     international resource with the primary mission of educating 
     people, especially children, about the history of dentistry 
     and the importance of good oral care;
       Whereas the museum is the most comprehensive museum of 
     dentistry in the Nation, showcasing the people, objects, and 
     events that have created and defined the dental profession;
       Whereas the museum is located on the campus of the 
     University of Maryland in Baltimore, home of the world's 
     first dental school, founded in 1840;
       Whereas the museum educates the public about the importance 
     of oral health in overall health through exciting, 
     interactive exhibitions and the careful preservation and 
     creative presentation of significant dental artifacts;
       Whereas the museum is a national center for both the public 
     and the profession to obtain information concerning 
     historical aspects of oral health and preventive care, for 
     scholars to study the evolution of dental treatment, and for 
     dental practitioners to take pride in the accomplishments of 
     their profession: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the 
     United States of America in Congress assembled, That the 
     museum, known as the Dr. Samuel D. Harris National Museum of 
     Dentistry, an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution, 
     located at 31 South Greene Street in Baltimore, Maryland, is 
     recognized as the official national museum of dentistry in 
     the United States.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from 
Ohio (Mr. Ney) and the gentleman from Connecticut (Mr. Larson) each 
will control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Ney).
  Mr. NEY. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  I am pleased to rise today to offer for this body's consideration 
House Joint Resolution 52 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. I want to 
thank the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Cummings) for introducing the 
bill.
  This museum is the most comprehensive dental museum in the world. It 
is a resource whose primary mission is to educate people, especially 
children, about the history of dentistry and the importance of good 
oral hygiene. It uses state-of-the-art interactive exhibitions and 
expert presentations to deliver the message that oral health is 
important to achieve overall health.
  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, 
including 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 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 that 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

[[Page H9239]]

years, these improvements have not occurred evenly across all sectors 
of our population. Too many Americans today lack access to dental care, 
particularly in rural communities. 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.
  Passage of this resolution to make the Dr. Samuel D. Harris National 
Museum of Dentistry the official national museum of dentistry in the 
United States will shed light on the problem many Americans face in 
accessing dental care.
  The museum is endorsed by the American Dental Association, the 
National Dental Association, the American Dental Education Association, 
the American College of Dentists, the International College of 
Dentists, and the American Academy of the History of Dentistry, as well 
as 50 State dental associations. So we can see it has great support.
  Madam Speaker, I want to thank the gentleman from Connecticut (Mr. 
Larson) for supporting this important measure. I should also note, 
Madam Speaker, that the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Linder) has been 
not only a coauthor but a great supporter of this bill and was 
scheduled to actually manage the bill today, but our schedule went more 
quickly than we thought, so I just wanted to mention his support of the 
bill.
  In closing, I cannot help but say also, I hope that someday the staff 
of the U.S. House of Representatives has a dental plan.
  Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. LARSON of Connecticut. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as 
I may consume, and I concur with the chairman's sentiments about a 
dental plan.
  Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of House Joint Resolution 52, 
which recognizes the Dr. Samuel D. Harris National Museum of Dentistry, 
an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution in Baltimore, Maryland, as 
the official national museum of dentistry in the United States.
  Let me acknowledge from the outset the hard work of the gentleman 
from Maryland (Mr. Cummings), who is the primary introducer of this 
bill, along with all of the members of the Maryland delegation. The 
gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Cummings) is unable to be here this 
afternoon. He is attending the funeral services of Mervyn Jones, the 
husband of our beloved colleague and dear friend and classmate of mine, 
the gentlewoman from Ohio (Mrs. Jones).
  Madam Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman 
from Maryland (Mr. Cardin).
  Mr. CARDIN. Madam Speaker, let me thank the gentleman from 
Connecticut (Mr. Larson) for yielding me this time and for the work 
that he has done on this resolution in pointing out that the principal 
sponsor, the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Cummings), who introduced 
this resolution, could not be here today because of attending the 
funeral for the spouse of one of our colleagues. Let me also thank the 
gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Ney) for his leadership on this issue.
  Madam Speaker, I rise in support of H.J. Res. 52, which recognizes 
the Dr. Samuel D. Harris National Museum of Dentistry as the official 
national museum of dentistry in the United States.
  For many years, the importance of oral health has been 
underestimated. Only in recent years have we recognized that, in the 
words of the former Surgeon General, C. Everett Koop, ``There is no 
health without oral health.''
  We have learned the important linkage between plaque and heart 
disease; that chewing stimulates brain cell growth; and that gum 
disease can signal diabetes, liver ailments, and hormone imbalances. 
Yet many Americans are still unaware of how critical oral health 
hygiene is to good health care. Despite our advances in reducing dental 
disease, one in five American children still suffer the devastating 
effects of severe tooth decay. I am proud that in Baltimore, Maryland, 
the Dr. Samuel D. Harris Museum of Dentistry is helping to reverse this 
epidemic by spreading the message that preventive dental health for 
children is key.
  Dr. Samuel Harris is a retired pediatric dentist who was born in the 
Ukraine and educated at the University of Michigan. He once said of the 
museum he helped found, ``Our main purpose must be to educate, to teach 
people, especially children, something important about themselves. That 
way they live not only longer, but better, healthier lives. I think 
that is a noble goal.''
  One visit to the National Museum of Dentistry in Baltimore is proof 
that Dr. Harris's goal has not only been met, it has been surpassed.
  Located at the University of Maryland School of Dentistry in 
Baltimore, the first dental school in the Nation, the Dr. Samuel D. 
Harris National Museum of Dentistry opened in 1996. The museum's 
permanent exhibits feature a display of historic dental tools, 
including the first known toothbrush made out of twigs. Among its most 
famous artifacts, as pointed out by the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Ney), 
are several sets of George Washington's ivory dentures and Queen 
Victoria's personal dental instruments.
  The museum also contains the actual office of Dr. G. V. Black, who is 
known as the ``father of American dentistry.'' Children especially like 
the tooth-shaped jukebox that plays vintage toothpaste commercials, 
computers that teach tooth anatomy, several interactive displays on 
oral health, and an extensive library of children's books, including 
several histories about the tooth fairy. One of my favorite exhibits is 
the scaled-down dentistry office where children can don smocks and 
review an x-ray panel as they play dentist and examine each other's or 
their parents' teeth.
  Each year, more than 10,000 visitors pass through its doors, 
including 4,000 schoolchildren. In addition to school and family 
programs, the museum hosts a variety of symposia for adults and dental 
health professionals, attracting visitors from across the Nation. Over 
the years, it has become an invaluable resource for understanding the 
history of dentistry and the importance of oral care.
  I want to thank the House for considering this resolution, which 
recognizes the museum, an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution, as 
the Official National Museum of Dentistry in the United States. I urge 
all of my colleagues to visit the museum in nearby Baltimore or its Web 
site at www.dentalmuseum.org, and to support this resolution.
  Mr. LARSON of Connecticut. Madam Speaker, I thank the distinguished 
gentleman from Maryland and the former Speaker of their House for his 
insight and elaborating on the history of this outstanding museum.
  Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  The Dr. Samuel D. Harris National Museum of Dentistry is a state-of-
the-art facility, as both the chairman and the gentleman from Maryland 
(Mr. Cardin) have pointed out. It is a state-of-the-art facility that 
uses innovative communication tools to deliver its message about proper 
oral health care.
  Its permanent exhibition, ``32 Terrific Teeth,'' extends over 7,000 
square feet on two floors of the building. It provides a vast array of 
historical artifacts, as has been mentioned; and it is especially 
important for children. I was particularly glad to hear the gentleman 
from Maryland (Mr. Cardin) talk about the tooth fairy, because we hope 
that the tooth fairy is kind to the Members and all of the employees 
with regard to a dental plan here, so I concur with the gentleman from 
Ohio (Mr. Ney) as well.
  I am very proud, as well, of my home State of Connecticut that has 
its own place in the annals of dental history in this country. Three 
people in particular, I believe, deserve appropriate recognition for 
their Yankee ingenuity and for providing outstanding contributions to 
the field of dentistry: Horace Hayden, who was the first dean of the 
dental school in Baltimore; Horace Wells, who is the father of 
anesthesia; and also James McManus, who is one of the leading members 
on the Connecticut Dental Society who established a scholarship fund at 
the time for $10,000 that is now worth more than $1 million, and 
provides an opportunity for those people seeking to enter the field of 
dentistry.
  I would also like to thank two dentists from my district hailing from 
the great community of West Hartford: both Dr. Bill MacDonnell and Dr. 
Paula

[[Page H9240]]

Stern, both who have practices in dentistry in West Hartford, 
Connecticut, for their dedication to their field and their commitment 
to make sure that this kind of important legislation was supported and 
passed. I would also like to further thank Beth Bellizzi from my staff 
for providing some of the key research in this area. I urge unanimous 
passage of this bill.
  Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H.J. Res. 52, which 
recognizes the Dr. Samuel D. Harris National Museum of Dentistry, an 
affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution in Baltimore, Maryland, as the 
official national museum of dentistry in the United States.
  The Dr. Samuel D. Harris National Museum of Dentistry is a state-of-
the-art facility that uses innovative communication tools to deliver 
its message about proper oral health care. Its permanent exhibition, 
``32 Terrific Teeth,'' extends over 7,000 square feet on two floors of 
the building. It provides a vast array of historical artifacts, 
interactive exhibitions, life-sized models and recreated environments. 
Tour programs especially for children and theme-based family programs 
help young people understand the everyday importance of dentistry.
  I am very proud that my home state of Connecticut has its own place 
in the annals of dental history in this country. Three people in 
particular used their Yankee ingenuity and determination to provide 
outstanding contributions to the field of dentistry.
  Horace Hayden, born in Windsor, sought to raise the academic bar for 
the next generation of dentists. In 1840, he became dean of the first 
United States dental college, the Baltimore College of Dental Surgery. 
One of the buildings on the college's former campus now houses the Dr. 
Samuel D. Harris National Museum of Dentistry, which is located on the 
Baltimore campus of the University of Maryland. Dean Hayden's 
educational achievement is commemorated in a monument in his home town 
of Windsor.
  Four years after Dean Hayden began to shape the future of dental 
education, Horace Wells made a discovery that would forever change the 
way dental treatments are performed. Dr. Wells, who was from Hartford, 
discovered anesthesia in December 1844. Dr. Wells was declared the 
``discoverer of anesthesia'' by the Connecticut Legislature in 1848, by 
the American Dental Association in 1863, and by the American Medical 
Association in 1870. A statue of Dr. Wells and a plaque noting the 
location of his office remind all who visit Hartford of his incredible 
contribution.
  Unlike his dental colleagues Hayden and Wells, who made a significant 
impact in their lifetime, Dr. James McManus led a life of quiet 
dedication. Dr. McManus, a Hartford resident, was the first president 
of the Connecticut State Dental Association. His wife was so inspired 
by his devotion to the field of dentistry that she established a 
$10,000 endowment in his name. Her loving gift is now worth close to $1 
million dollars. Among its many contributions, the James McManus Fund 
of the Hartford Dental Society provides dental scholarships and 
operates the Smile Mobile, which travels to dozens of schools every 
year to teach children about proper dental health. In addition, the 
James McManus Fund of the Hartford Dental Society and the Horace Wells 
Club of Connecticut are founding benefactors of the Dr. Samuel D. 
Harris National Museum of Dentistry.

  I'm sure these three dental pioneers could never have imagined the 
challenges today's dentists face in their effort to keep patients 
healthy. According to the American Dental Association (ADA), tooth 
decay is not just a child's problem. Adults of all ages can have 
cavities, too. Dentists are concerned that sugar-filled sodas, 
sweetened fruit drinks, and non-nutritious snack foods have become a 
regular part of their patients' diets. The ADA also notes that eating 
patterns and food choices among children and teens are important 
factors that affect how quickly youngsters may develop tooth decay.
  Equally as alarming is the link that scientists are making between 
oral health problems and other diseases in the body. In the July 31, 
2003 online edition of the journal Stroke, researchers found that the 
more teeth a person has lost, the more likely he or she is to have both 
advanced periodontal infections and potentially clogging plaques in the 
carotid artery, the vessel that feeds the brain.
  Good dental care can be achieved, but not without education. That is 
why the Dr. Samuel D. Harris National Museum of Dentistry is such a 
vital resource, and why it should be designated as the official 
national museum of dentistry. Furthermore, this designation will 
highlight the critical public health role of the dental community.
  I would like to thank two dentists from my district who assisted me 
in my research of Connecticut's dental history: Dr. William A. 
MacDonnell and Dr. Paula D. Stern, both of whom practice dentistry in 
West Hartford, Connecticut. Their dedication to the field of dentistry 
and commitment to their patients would make the Connecticut dental 
mavericks they followed--Hayden, Wells, and McManus--very proud.
  I would also like to thank my colleague, Representative Elijah 
Cummings for introducing this bill, which acknowledges the valuable 
education the museum provides. He has long supported this tremendous 
learning institution. I know he would be joining me on the floor today 
to urge its passage, but he is attending the funeral of the husband of 
our deal colleague, Representative Stephanie Tubbs Jones.
  I urge my colleagues to support this legislation.
  Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
  Mr. NEY. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume 
just to also make a note on behalf of our Ohio delegation, of course, 
and the entire U.S. House of our sympathy for the gentlewoman from Ohio 
(Mrs. Jones), our colleague, on the loss of her wonderful husband.
  I would also just restate for the record, this is a very good bill. 
And I thank the gentleman from Maryland, (Mr. Cummings), the gentleman 
from Connecticut (Mr. Larson); and I would be remiss if I did not close 
by thanking my dentist, Dr. Ron Persutti in Saint Clairsville, Ohio. 
Sometimes I have told Dr. Persutti that I am not sure if I get votes 
because of how I vote or sometimes because of what he does to help with 
my smile. So with that, I urge support of the bill.
  Mr. CUMMINGS. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure and pride that I 
rise today to speak in favor of my resolution, H.J. Res. 52, 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.
  This resolution has the strong support of every major dental 
association including the American Dental Association and the National 
Dental Association.
  The museum is located in my district and is the most comprehensive 
dental museum in the world. Its focus is to remind people--especially 
children--about the importance of good oral health care. For seven 
years now, it has been a learning center for scores of children's 
groups in and around the City of Baltimore, as well as those visiting. 
It uses extraordinary exhibitions and expert presentations to deliver 
the message that oral health is important to achieve overall health. 
Children love its message and respond by being more aware of their own 
oral health care needs.
  An estimated 5,000 school children visit the museum each school year, 
touring the new interactive exhibitions and discovering the wonders of 
dental history. In addition, over 10,000 visitors from across the 
Nation encounter this interactive, educational and entertaining museum.
  The museum's traveling exhibitions reach national audiences, 
providing a resource to expand public awareness of the importance of 
oral health in overall health. Branches, Bristles and Batteries: 
Toothbrushes Through Time teaches families about the evolution of the 
toothbrush and how to achieve good oral health through engaging 
interactive stations and high-tech computer programs. The exhibition 
will reach approximately 2 million visitors during a national three-
year tour of children's and science museums.
  Temporary exhibitions keep the museum alive and help to highlight 
important dental issues and celebrate the great heritage of dentistry. 
Currently, The Future is Now! African Americans in Dentistry pays 
tribute to the movers and shakers who paved the way for African 
Americans' success as dental professionals through dramatic portraits, 
moving memoirs and inspirational stories. The exhibit demonstrates the 
tremendous gains of dentistry over the past 30 years, promoting the 
message that there remains much to do to increase diversity in 
dentistry and recruit African American dental faculty and improve 
access to health care. The exhibition will become the museum's second 
traveling exhibition beginning a national tour in Fall 2004. Presenting 
this exhibit to a wide national audience will create a new awareness of 
opportunities and challenges and present positive role models of the 
profession, both past and present.
  The museum offers educational programming, such as MouthPower, 
enabling young people to make informed choices about their oral health 
that have a positive effect on their overall health. Using the museum's 
unique resources, MouthPower participants understand the meaning of 
good oral health and become aware of the role oral health plays in 
overall health, learn the benefits of good nutrition and the harmful 
effects of tobacco and other substances on oral health and become aware 
of career options in dentistry. The positive outcomes from this program 
include a stronger sense of self that will help prevent participants 
from becoming addicted to smoking or using spit tobacco products and 
also will encourage

[[Page H9241]]

family members and friends to abstain. Through a partnership with the 
American Dental Association, the program will be available nationally 
with the addition of a web-based version and a resource kit for dental 
professionals to use in their community.
  Designating the Dr. Samuel D. Harris National Museum of dentistry the 
official national museum of dentistry in the United States will ensure 
the education of thousands of Americans about the importance of dental 
care.
  I ask my colleagues to join me in supporting this national treasure 
by passing H.J. Res. 52.
  Thank you and I yield back the balance of my time.
  Mr. NEY. Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the 
gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Ney) that the House suspend the rules and pass 
the joint resolution, H.J. Res. 52.
  The question was taken; and (two-thirds having voted in favor 
thereof) the rules were suspended and the joint resolution was passed.
  A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.

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