[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 33 (Wednesday, February 25, 2009)]
[Senate]
[Page S2489]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION 8--EXPRESSING SUPPORT FOR CHILDREN'S 
     DENTAL HEALTH MONTH AND HONORING THE MEMORY OF DEAMONTE DRIVER

  Mr. CARDIN (for himself, Ms. Collins, Mr. Rockefeller, Ms. Mikulski, 
and Mr. Bingaman) submitted the following concurrent resolution; which 
was considered and agreed to:

                             S. Con. Res. 8

       Whereas several national dental organizations have observed 
     February 2009 as Children's Dental Health Month;
       Whereas Deamonte Driver, a 12-year-old Marylander, died on 
     February 25, 2007, of complications resulting from untreated 
     tooth decay;
       Whereas the passing of Deamonte Driver has led to increased 
     awareness nationwide about the importance of access to high-
     quality, affordable preventative care and treatment for 
     dental problems;
       Whereas the primary purpose of Children's Dental Health 
     Month is to educate parents, children, and the public about 
     the importance and value of oral health;
       Whereas Children's Dental Health Month showcases the 
     overwhelmingly preventable nature of tooth decay and 
     highlights the fact that tooth decay is on the rise among the 
     youngest children in the Nation;
       Whereas Children's Dental Health Month educates the public 
     about the treatment of childhood dental caries, cleft-palate, 
     oral facial trauma, and oral cancer through public service 
     announcements, seminars, briefings, and the pro bono 
     initiatives of practitioners and academic dental 
     institutions;
       Whereas Children's Dental Health Month was created to raise 
     awareness about the importance of oral health; and
       Whereas Children's Dental Health Month is an opportunity 
     for the public and health professionals to take action to 
     prevent childhood dental problems and improve access to high-
     quality dental care: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved by the Senate (the House of Representatives 
     concurring), That Congress expresses support for Children's 
     Dental Health Month and honors the life of Deamonte Driver.

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