SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 293

WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas takes pleasure in recognizing February 25, 2009, as Texas Dental Association Day; and

WHEREAS, The Texas Dental Association originated at a meeting of members of the dental profession held in Houston in 1869; the association was chartered on May 17, 1871, and the first organized meeting for which official minutes survived was held September 1, 1873, in Austin; and

WHEREAS, The association's Texas Dental Journal was first published in 1883 and is the oldest continuously operating dental periodical in the Western Hemisphere; following seven years of study and discussion by the association on the regulation of dental practice in Texas, the first law regulating dental practice was passed by the Texas Legislature in 1889; and

WHEREAS, The association has grown from a membership of 18 Texas dentists and 22 honorary members in 1873 to a membership of over 8,000 in 2009; its core purpose is to be the "Voice of Dentistry in Texas" and it strives to advance the profession with credibility and integrity, nurture and mentor professionals in the field of dentistry, and promote quality oral health care for all Texans; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 81st Legislature, hereby commend the Texas Dental Association for representing the oral health care providers in our state and for advocating the highest of standards for the dental profession; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared in honor of the association on Texas Dental Association Day.

Shapiro

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President of the Senate

I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on February 25, 2009.

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Secretary of the Senate

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Member, Texas Senate