SENATE RESOLUTION 25

(By Senators Stollings, Boso, Unger, Beach, and Plymale)

[Introduced February 2, 2018]

Designating February 2, 2018, as Dental Hygienists Day at the Legislature.

Whereas, Dental hygienists, as licensed oral health care professionals, actively promote oral health care and the prevention of oral disease. West Virginia currently has 1,412 total active dental hygienists; and

Whereas, As preventative specialists, dental hygienists contribute to the oral health of West Virginia residents and provide an essential service contributing to their total health; and

Whereas, Dental hygienists give their time and effort in order to provide oral health care to individuals of need, such as children, senior citizens, individuals with low income, and individuals with disabilities; and

Whereas, These services are essential in dental offices, public health facilities, schools, private organizations, and research facilities in providing the best possible oral health care for all citizens; and

Whereas, Promoting the importance of the issues and celebrating the successes of the profession and contributions of dental hygienists will lead to increased public awareness; therefore, be it

Resolved by the Senate:

That the Senate hereby designates February 2, 2018, as Dental Hygienists Day at the Legislature; and, be it

Further Resolved, That the Senate urges all citizens to recognize dental hygienists for the many valued services they provide and become more familiar with the practice of dental hygiene; and, be it

Further Resolved, That the Clerk is hereby directed to forward a copy of this resolution to the appropriate representatives of Dental Hygienists Day.