[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 130 (Tuesday, July 29, 2025)]
[Senate]
[Page S4815]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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               TRIBUTE TO MARY DUQUETTE AND MYRA NIKITAS

 Ms. HASSAN. Madam President, I am honored to recognize Mary 
Duquette of Hopkinton and Myra Nikitas of Nashua as July's Granite 
Staters of the Month. Mary and Myra are working to ensure that all 
children in Nashua who need dental care are able to get it.
  Mary and Myra have both worked in the dental field for more than 20 
years and are certified public health dental hygienists. In 2021, when 
Mary was working for the State of New Hampshire's oral health program, 
a program that performed dental screenings for third graders in New 
Hampshire identified Nashua as one of the areas with the highest levels 
of tooth decay in the State. Mary and Myra joined an existing cavity 
prevention program, but when funding for that program ran out, they 
wanted to continue providing services. They took action, applied for 
grants themselves, and launched their nonprofit Traveling Tooth 
Fairies.
  Traveling Tooth Fairies' goal is to close the dental care gap. During 
the school year, Mary and Myra visit schools throughout the Nashua 
area, helping provide cavity prevention care to any child with a signed 
permission slip, regardless of their insurance status. Treatment is 
free for patients, paid for through either grant funding or through New 
Hampshire Medicaid if the child is eligible and enrolled. In addition 
to removing financial barriers, providing care directly at schools 
removes another critical barrier: the need for parents to take time off 
from work to take their child to the dentist. Traveling Tooth Fairies 
doesn't deny anyone care, and if a family contacts them asking for help 
outside of school, Mary and Myra will work with them to get their child 
treatment. Traveling Tooth Fairies also attend community events and 
treat families in shelters.
  Mary and Myra's dedication to keeping children healthy is an 
inspiring example of the Granite State spirit of going above and beyond 
to help your neighbors. Their commitment to their community is why I am 
proud to name them July's Granite Staters of the Month.

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