PRINTER'S NO. 2725
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA
HOUSE RESOLUTION
No.
640
Session of
2015
INTRODUCED BY ACOSTA, COHEN, BAKER, TOOHIL, BIZZARRO, MURT,
THOMAS, LONGIETTI, CALTAGIRONE, CONKLIN, P. DALEY, ROZZI,
ELLIS, DiGIROLAMO, SCHLOSSBERG, KIRKLAND, DUSH, SONNEY,
KILLION, KOTIK, J. HARRIS, PHILLIPS-HILL, HENNESSEY, KINSEY,
BOBACK, DRISCOLL, DONATUCCI, KIM, HARHART, McCARTER,
D. COSTA, NEILSON, MILLARD, GIBBONS, WARD, READSHAW,
YOUNGBLOOD, SAYLOR, BULLOCK, WHEELAND, WATSON, PAYNE AND
ROSS, JANUARY 21, 2016
INTRODUCED AS NONCONTROVERSIAL RESOLUTION UNDER RULE 35,
JANUARY 21, 2016
A RESOLUTION
Recognizing the month of February 2016 as "National Children's
Dental Health Month" in Pennsylvania.
WHEREAS, Each February, advocacy groups, including the
American Dental Association, celebrate "National Children's
Dental Health Month" to promote the benefits of good oral health
to children and their caregivers; and
WHEREAS, According to the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention (CDC), tooth decay, although preventable, is one of
the most common chronic diseases among children; and
WHEREAS, Data from the CDC's 2011-2012 National Health and
Nutrition Examination Survey revealed that 23% of children two
to five years of age and 56% of children six to eight years of
age had dental caries or cavities, more commonly known as tooth
decay; and
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WHEREAS, The survey also revealed that 10% of children two to
five years of age and 20% of children six to eight years of age
had untreated dental caries; and
WHEREAS, The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial
Research found that children living at or below 100% of the
Federal poverty level had a significantly higher incidence of
dental caries compared to children living above the poverty
level; and
WHEREAS, The CDC estimates that 20% of children 5 to 11 years
of age and 13% of adolescents 12 to 19 years of age have at
least one untreated decayed tooth; and
WHEREAS, Untreated tooth decay can cause pain and infections
that may lead to problems with eating, speaking, playing and
learning; and
WHEREAS, Good oral hygiene practices, including, but not
limited to, brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste,
eating nutritious and balanced meals and regularly visiting and
consulting with the dentist, can help prevent tooth decay; and
WHEREAS, Encouraging the development of good habits at an
early age helps children defeat tooth decay and begin a lifetime
of healthy oral care; and
WHEREAS, It is in the public interest of this Commonwealth to
encourage good oral health among all children; therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives recognize the
month of February 2016 as "National Children's Dental Health
Month" in Pennsylvania to bring public awareness to the
importance of good oral health; and be it further
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives strongly support
the efforts of all institutions and agencies, both public and
private, entrusted with promoting the health of the residents of
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this Commonwealth in observing the month of February 2016 with
appropriate education activities and programs designed to
recognize "National Children's Dental Health Month."
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