2020 -- S 2339

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LC004140

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2020

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S E N A T E   R E S O L U T I O N

RECOGNIZING FEBRUARY, 2020, AS "NATIONAL CHILDREN’S DENTAL HEALTH

MONTH" IN RHODE ISLAND

     Introduced By: Senators Nesselbush, Ruggerio, Algiere, Satchell, and Metts

     Date Introduced: February 12, 2020

     Referred To: Recommended for Immediate Consideration

     WHEREAS, February is National Children’s Dental Health Month and provides an

opportunity to recognize the importance of optimal oral health. Healthy teeth are essential for

self-esteem, success in school and are a vital component for overall health. They are meant to last

a lifetime; and

     WHEREAS, On January 25, 2020, the United States celebrated the 75th Anniversary of

Community Water Fluoridation. Fluoride strengthens teeth at the level of 0.7 milligrams per liter

of water, roughly the same as a grain of salt in a pail of water. Water systems in four out of five

Rhode Island counties have adjusted to safe and effective fluoride levels since 1955; and

     WHEREAS, Fluoridation is recognized by the Centers for Disease Control, also known

as the CDC, as both cost-saving and the single most effective public health measure to prevent

tooth decay helping not only children but all individuals, irrespective of income or education

level; and

     WHEREAS, Our state’s water systems are key partners in oral health and the Rhode

Island Department of Health, on behalf of the CDC, presented awards to Cumberland, Newport,

Pawtucket, and Providence, in recognition of achieving the recommended level of fluoridation for

12 consecutive months within their water system; now, therefore be it

     RESOLVED, That this Senate of the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations

hereby urges all citizens and community organizations to observe February as “National

Children’s Dental Health Month” to encourage success in our children by educating on the

importance of smart dental habits, good dietary choices and fluoridated water so their teeth can

remain healthy and strong into adulthood; and be it further

     RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and hereby is authorized and directed to

transmit duly certified copies of this resolution to Director Nicole Alexander-Scott, MD, MPH,

Rhode Island Department of Health, and Marie Jones-Bridges, CDA, RDH, PHDH, BS,

Enterprise Clinical Service Community Based Coordinator, RI Rite Smiles Dental.

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