[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 34 (Friday, February 28, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E277]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       ``GIVE KIDS A SMILE DAY''

                                  _____
                                 

                          HON. DANNY K. DAVIS

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, February 28, 2014

  Mr. DANNY K. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to 
acknowledge the thousands of dentists and volunteers who participate in 
the ``Give Kids A Smile Day.'' Each February, Illinois dentists donate 
more than $1 million in much-needed dental care to children. Many 
families cannot afford to provide their children with regular dental 
care. This can not only result in potentially serious health problems 
but is also likely to serve as an impediment to economic success. The 
unfortunate truth is that individuals with unhealthy looking teeth are 
less likely to be hired than those with better oral health. 
Furthermore, an inability to obtain dental care can adversely affect 
children before they even enter the job market--dental pain can affect 
both sleep patterns and school performance. Inadequate dental care is 
not a cosmetic concern; it has a real impact on a person's economic 
mobility and success.
  I commend the American Dental Association for its tireless efforts to 
raise awareness and develop solutions so more people can receive dental 
care. Since the ADA's ``Give Kids A Smile'' program was founded twelve 
years ago in St. Louis, it has grown to become the world's largest oral 
health charitable program--encouraging parents, health professionals 
and policymakers to address the year-round need for oral health care 
for all children. Each year, thousands of the nation's dentists, dental 
team members and community volunteers provide free oral health care 
services to children from low-income families.
  This February in Illinois, over 2,000 dental care professionals 
volunteered for ``Give Kids A Smile Day,'' reaching upwards of 17,000 
kids. Dentists in Illinois have demonstrated their commitment to giving 
back to the community. In June 2014, the Illinois State Dental Society 
and its Foundation will hold the third ``Illinois Mission of Mercy'' in 
Peoria, Illinois. The Mission of Mercy is a free, two-day dental clinic 
during which over 950 volunteers see 1,000 patients each day and 
provide over $1 million in much-needed oral health care.
  I would like to thank all the dental professionals who have 
volunteered their time this year to provide screenings, treatments and 
education to children throughout the United States. I urge my 
colleagues to support the ADA's efforts to improve the lives and expand 
opportunities for our nation's children.

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