HR989.html

Commending Georgia's dental hygienists; recognizing Dental Hygienists' Appreciation Day on February 8, 2002; and inviting certain dental hygienists to appear before the House of Representatives; and for other purposes.

WHEREAS, dental hygienists have been promoting oral health and preventing oral disease in Georgia for 59 years as licensed oral healthcare professionals, and the first officers of the Georgia Dental Hygienists' Association were installed in 1927; and

WHEREAS, there are approximately 4,500 registered dental hygienists practicing in Georgia and 154 of the 159 counties in Georgia have licensed hygienists; and

WHEREAS, dental hygienists are specialists whose expert care contributes to the oral health of Georgians through preventative checkups, cleanings, and patient education; and

WHEREAS, many dental hygienists volunteer their time to serve the elderly, disabled, and indigent through such groups as the Georgia Oral Health Coalition, Healthy Mothers/Healthy Babies, and the Coalition of Advocates for Georgia's Elderly; and

WHEREAS, dental hygienists are essential healthcare professionals in dental offices, public health facilities, and public and private schools, and their participation in public policy discussions on oral healthcare in Georgia is highly valued.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES that the members of this body recognize February 8, 2002, as Dental Hygienists' Appreciation Day and invite representatives from this health professional field to appear before the House of Representatives at a time to be determined by the Speaker.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Clerk of the House of Representatives is authorized and directed to transmit an appropriate copy of this resolution to the Georgia Dental Hygienists' Association.