Whereas, The continued progress of the state of Michigan is, to a large part, dependent on the total good health of its 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 lack of education and access to quality dental health care; and,

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

Resolved, That I, Jennifer M. Granholm, Governor of the State of Michigan, do hereby proclaim February 2008 as Children's Dental Health Month and February 1, 2008, as Give Kids a Smile Day in Michigan.