A concurrent resolution expressing support for Children's Dental Health Month and honoring the memory of Deamonte Driver.

Whereas several national dental organizations have observed February 2009 as Children’s Dental Health Month;

Whereas Deamonte Driver, a 12-year-old Marylander, died on February 25, 2007, of complications resulting from untreated tooth decay;

Whereas the passing of Deamonte Driver has led to increased awareness nationwide about the importance of access to high-quality, affordable preventative care and treatment for dental problems;

Whereas the primary purpose of Children’s Dental Health Month is to educate parents, children, and the public about the importance and value of oral health;

Whereas Children’s Dental Health Month showcases the overwhelmingly preventable nature of tooth decay and highlights the fact that tooth decay is on the rise among the youngest children in the Nation;

Whereas Children’s Dental Health Month educates the public about the treatment of childhood dental caries, cleft-palate, oral facial trauma, and oral cancer through public service announcements, seminars, briefings, and the pro bono initiatives of practitioners and academic dental institutions;

Whereas Children’s Dental Health Month was created to raise awareness about the importance of oral health; and

Whereas Children’s Dental Health Month is an opportunity for the public and health professionals to take action to prevent childhood dental problems and improve access to high-quality dental care: Now, therefore, be it