[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 37 (Tuesday, February 25, 2020)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E206]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 RECOGNITION OF CHILDREN'S DENTAL MONTH

                                  _____
                                 

                        HON. MICHAEL K. SIMPSON

                                of idaho

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 25, 2020

  Mr. SIMPSON. Madam Speaker, February has been dedicated as the 
National Children's Dental Health Month. This is such an important 
cause and I am pleased to help bring awareness to the value of good 
oral health in 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 harmful outcomes beyond just oral 
health. As co-chair of the Congressional Oral Health Caucus, I am 
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 American Dental 
Association (ADA) is at the center of National Children's Dental Health 
Month. Give Kids A Smile day is an important event for all children and 
dentists throughout the country. Because of this program, the ADA is 
able to provide assistance to more than 6,500 dentists and 25,000 
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 6 million kids across the country, and to all 50 states and the 
District of Columbia 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 kids 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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