[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 34 (Monday, February 25, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E202]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           TRIBUTE TO NATIONAL CHILDREN'S DENTAL HEALTH MONTH

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. MICHAEL K. SIMPSON

                                of idaho

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, February 25, 2019

  Mr. SIMPSON. Madam Speaker, February been dedicated as the National 
Children's Dental Health Month. This is such an important cause and we 
are glad to bring awareness to promote good oral health for children. 
Tooth decay is the number one chronic infectious disease among children 
in the U.S. The impact of not treating decay can lead to other bad 
outcomes beyond just oral health. The Congressional Oral Health Caucus 
is pleased to support National Children's Dental Health Month and any 
activities taking place throughout the month of February.
  Give Kids A Smile, which is sponsored by the ADA Foundation, is at 
the center of National Children's Dental Health Month. Give Kids a 
Smile day is such an important event for all children and dentists 
throughout the country. Because of this program, the ADA Foundation is 
able to provide assistance to more than 6,000 dentists and 57,000 
dental team members, and other volunteers who proudly give their time 
and effort to make a difference in the health of children. Since this 
program has started, volunteers have graciously provided services to 
over 5.5 million kids across the country, and to all 50 states as well. 
They have truly made a huge impact in their communities and improved 
the oral health of so many children.
  Throughout National Children's Dental Health Month, dentists and 
dental team members across the country will be providing oral health 
services for children in need, and this will continue throughout the 
year. These services will include oral health education, screenings, 
preventive care and restorative services. Some will provide this in 
their own dental practice, others will go right into schools and the 
community to reach the kids that need it most. There are also many 
major events at dental hygiene schools where hundreds of kid may 
receive oral health services.
  Continued public awareness on this issue is so critical. On behalf of 
the Congressional Oral Health Caucus, I would once again like to state 
our full endorsement for the month, and push for continued care for 
good oral health of children.

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