Whereas, The year 2009 marks the 86th year that the Michigan Dental Hygienists' Association - an association comprised of licensed oral health care professionals - has actively promoted oral health and disease prevention; and,

Whereas, 2009 also signifies the year that dental hygienists in Michigan protected the public from the creation of an unlicensed provider, thereby insuring only professional oral health care for Michigan residents; and,

Whereas, Michigan is proud to have 13 accredited dental hygiene programs that include Baker College, Delta College, Ferris State University, Kalamazoo Valley Community College, Kellogg Community College, Grand Rapids Community College, Lansing Community College, Mott Community College, Oakland Community College, University of Detroit Mercy, University of Michigan, and Wayne County Community College District; and,

Whereas, Dental hygienists are involved in clinical practice, health promotion and education, consumer advocacy, administration and management, and research and are recognized as oral health prevention specialists; and,

Whereas, Dental hygienists contribute to the health of Michigan residents and provide high-quality preventative oral health care for Michigan citizens and help to establish good habits in children by screenings for Head Star;

Now, Therefore, be it Resolved, That I, Jennifer M. Granholm, governor of the state of Michigan, do hereby proclaim October 2009 Dental Hygiene Month.  I encourage all citizens to recognize dental hygienists for the many valued services they provide and to promote the practice of good dental hygiene.