Whereas, Included in our community are many qualified dentists and hygienists for our children's dental health care; and,

Whereas, These professionals strive to educate their young patients in the proper brushing and flossing techniques as well as dietary needs for good oral health; and,

Whereas, Bad dental health habits can lead to tooth loss, pain and discomfort and can occur at any age, even in children; and,

Whereas, Total good health, both physical and mental, is enhanced through good dental health habits learned early and reinforced throughout life; and,

Whereas, Michigan's lowest income children are the most susceptible to poor oral hygiene due to a lack of education in dental health and access to quality dental health care; and,

Whereas, The Michigan Dental Association, throughout its long and distinguished history, has promoted programs in support of good dental health habits for young people to prevent dental disease; and,

Whereas, The Michigan Dental Association and its member dentists are participating in the seventh annual "Give Kids a Smile Program" initiated by the American Dental Association to educate, assess and improve the oral hygiene among Michigan's most vulnerable population;

Now, Therefore, be it Resolved, That I, Jennifer M. Granholm, governor of the state of Michigan, do hereby proclaim February 2009 Children's Dental Health Month and February 6, 2009, Give Kids a Smile Day in Michigan. I encourage all citizens to practice good dental health habits and to pass down these healthy habits to their children.