SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 526

WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas is pleased to recognize Texas Smiles Family Dentistry of Mission on the special occasion of its open house and grand opening on March 15, 2011; and

WHEREAS, Good dental health care is important for people from all walks of life; in Mission and across the state, the lack of access to dental care for children from low-income families is especially troublesome; and

WHEREAS, Chronic tooth decay is the most prevalent childhood disease in America and affects five times more children than asthma; and

WHEREAS, The United States surgeon general has called tooth decay a "silent epidemic," which is exacerbated by a lack of access to care in low-income communities, where fewer than one in four dentists accept patients with Medicaid; and

WHEREAS, Texas Smiles Family Dentistry of Mission is committed to serving patients who are covered by Medicaid, and with its grand opening, the facility is significantly expanding the options for dental care available to children and families in Mission who may be most in need of quality care; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 82nd Legislature, hereby commend Texas Smiles Family Dentistry of Mission for its efforts to provide dental care for families with low incomes and extend to all associated with the facility best wishes for a wonderful open house and grand opening event; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for Texas Smiles Family Dentistry of Mission as an expression of esteem from the Texas Senate.

Hinojosa

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President of the Senate

I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on March 16, 2011.

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Secretary of the Senate

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Member, Texas Senate