Senate 13

SENATE RESOLUTION 13

(By Senators Takubo, Hamilton, and Morris)

[Introduced January 22, 2026]

Designating January 23, 2026, as Dental Hygienists Day at the Capitol.

Whereas, Dental hygienists, as licensed health care professionals, actively promote oral health care through the dental hygiene process of care focused on assessment, dental hygiene diagnosis, planning, implementation and evaluation of clinical oral health preventive and therapeutic services; and

Whereas, West Virginia currently has 987 total active practicing dental hygienists; and

Whereas, Dental hygienists contribute to positive general health outcomes of West Virginia residents through prevention and treatment of oral diseases affecting total health; and

Whereas, Dental hygienists give their time and effort to provide professional oral health care to individuals of need, such as children, senior citizens, individuals with low income, and individuals with disabilities; and

Whereas, The professional expertise of dental hygienists is essential in dental offices, public health facilities, schools, private organizations and research facilities in providing the best possible oral health care for all citizens; and

Whereas, Promoting the importance of oral health care issues and celebrating the successes of the profession and contributions of dental hygienists to the citizens of West Virginia will lead to increased public awareness of this vital healthcare profession; therefore, be it

Resolved by the Senate:

That the Senate hereby designates January 23, 2026, as Dental Hygienists Day at the Capitol; and, be it

Further Resolved, That the Senate hereby recognizes the students representing BridgeValley Community and Technical College, West Liberty University, West Virginia University, and joins in urging all citizens to recognize dental hygienists for the many valued services they provide and in promoting good oral health; and, be it

Further Resolved, That the Clerk is hereby directed to forward a copy of this resolution to the appropriate representatives of the West Viriginia Dental Hygienists Association.