Whereas , National Dental Hygiene Month celebrates the educational background and clinical abilities of dental hygienists as licensed oral health prevention specialists; and,

Whereas , Michigan is proud to have 13 accredited dental hygiene programs that include:  Baker College, Delta College, Ferris State University, Kalamazoo Valley Community College, Kellogg Community College, Grand Rapids Community College, Lansing Community College, Mott Community College, Oakland Community College, University of Detroit Mercy, University of Michigan, and Wayne County Community College District; and,

Whereas , Dental hygienists are involved in clinical practice, health promotion and education, consumer advocacy, administration and management, research, and as change agents; and,

Whereas , Dental hygienists contribute to the health of Michigan residents and provide high-quality preventative oral health care for Michigan citizens; and,

Whereas , Dental hygienists are recognized as oral health prevention specialists; and,

Whereas , Collaborative practice dental hygienists may now provide screenings for Head Star, thus increasing dental screenings for children; and now therefore be it,

Resolved , That I, Jennifer M. Granholm, Governor of the State of Michigan, do hereby proclaim October 2008 as Dental Hygiene Month.  I encourage all citizens to recognize dental hygienists for the many valued services they provide, and to promote the practice of good dental hygiene.