[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 35 (Friday, February 25, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E171]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          RECOGNIZING NATIONAL CHILDREN'S DENTAL HEALTH MONTH

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                        HON. MICHAEL K. SIMPSON

                                of idaho

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, February 25, 2022

  Mr. SIMPSON. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to National 
Children's Dental Health Month. Each February, the American Dental 
Association sponsors National Children's Dental Health Month to raise 
awareness about the importance of oral health. As a part of their 
awareness efforts, dentists and dental team members from across the 
country and in my home State of Idaho join together and volunteer their 
time to provide free care to children. As co-chair of the Congressional 
Oral Health Caucus, I am pleased to support National Children's Dental 
Health Month and any related activities taking place throughout the 
month of February that promote good oral health for children.
  Give Kids A Smile, a program sponsored by the ADA Foundation which 
this year celebrates 20 years of helping children, 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 Foundation is able to provide 
assistance to more than 6,500 dentists and 25,000 dental team member 
volunteers who proudly give their time and expertise to make a 
difference in the health of children. Since this program started, 
volunteers have graciously provided services to over 7 million kids 
across the country, and in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. 
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 critical. On behalf of 
the Congressional Oral Health Caucus, I would once again like to state 
our full endorsement for National Children's Dental Health Month, and 
push for continued care for the excellent oral health of children.

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