Assembly Resolution No. 919

BY: M. of A. Slater

MEMORIALIZING Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim
March 6, 2024, as Dentist's Day in the State of New
York

WHEREAS, It is incumbent upon the people of the State of New York to
commend and recognize those esteemed individuals within the medical
community for their extraordinary and sustained contributions to the
progress of medicine and the improvement of life; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim March 6, 2024, as
Dentist's Day in the State of New York, in conjunction with the
observance of National Dentist's Day; and

WHEREAS, Observed every year on March 6th, Dentist's Day was
established as a way to show appreciation and thanks for dentists, bring
awareness to dentistry so that people will know more about how to care
for their teeth, and encourage people who may have avoided going to the
dentist to come in for a checkup; and

WHEREAS, A dentist is a doctor, scientist and clinician dedicated to
the highest standards of health through prevention, diagnosis and
treatment of oral diseases and conditions; a dentist plays a key role in
the early detection of oral cancer and other systemic conditions of the
body that manifest themselves in the mouth, and can often identify other
health conditions, illnesses, and other problems that sometimes show up
in the oral cavity before they are identified in other parts of the
body; and

WHEREAS, A dentist evaluates the overall health of their patients
while advising them about oral health and disease prevention; performs
clinical procedures, such as exams, fillings, crowns, implants,
extractions and corrective surgeries; identifies, diagnoses and treats
oral conditions; and performs general dentistry or practices in one of
nine dental specialties; and

WHEREAS, By the late 1990s, cosmetic and aesthetic dentistry had
become more and more popular as patients were requesting colorful
braces, veneers, implants, and bleaching to make their teeth and smile
look better; and

WHEREAS, Unfortunately, only 42 percent of adults report visiting
the dentist less than once every year, 40 percent of children younger
than the age of three have never been to the dentist, and three out of
four millennials brush their teeth only once a day; and

WHEREAS, The first mention of dental hygiene can be dated back to
5000 B.C. when the ancient Sumerians believed tooth worms caused decay
and cavities; and

WHEREAS, The first dentist, Hesy-Ra from ancient Egypt, is known to
be one of the earliest dental practitioners, as recorded in 2600 B.C.;
and

WHEREAS, In 1530, Artzney Buchlein wrote the first book on dental
health entitled Little Medicinal Book for All Kinds of Diseases and
Infirmities of the Teeth; and

WHEREAS, Since ancient times, dentists have proven themselves to be
a great asset to medicine and to the health and welfare of the citizens
of the State of New York; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim March 6, 2024, as
Dentist's Day in the State of New York; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to The Honorable Kathy Hochul, Governor of the State of New
York.