HR0175 102ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0175 LRB102 10448 LAW 15776 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, There are over 300 dentists known as endodontists in Illinois; and

WHEREAS, Endodontists are dental experts who are highly skilled in diagnosing and treating tooth pain, performing root canal treatment, and treating dental emergencies; they have continued working even during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, reducing the need for patients to seek emergency dental care at Emergency Rooms and Urgent Care facilities; they have completed three years of specialized training beyond dental school, with additional training focused on diagnosing tooth pain and performing root canal treatment and other procedures relating to the interior of the tooth; in many cases, a diseased tooth can be saved with endodontic treatment; and

WHEREAS, Endodontists have incredible precision and hand-eye coordination, making them highly skilled in performing complex treatments; they use the most current and advanced technology to treat dental patients; no one is better at saving a patient's natural teeth; and

WHEREAS, Endodontists perform many other endodontic treatments and surgeries, address traumatic dental injuries, and place dental implants; while their goal is to save a patient's natural teeth whenever possible, they will look at all treatment options to determine the best course of action for each individual case; and

WHEREAS, Endodontists limit their practice solely to endodontic treatments, performing an average of 25 root canal treatments a week; specialized treatment gives patients the best outcome and leads to faster healing; for this reason, dentists and endodontists often work as partners in care so that the best member of the dental team is handling each appropriate issue with a patient's teeth; and

WHEREAS, Teeth are an important part of a person's well-being; they are the gateway to nutrition, are used to express emotion, and provide an overall sign of good health; poor oral hygiene can lead to other health problems; regular dental visits, flossing, brushing thoroughly at least twice a day, and refraining from foods and habits that can cause cavities are important steps for maintaining the overall health of one's gums, teeth, and mouth; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDRED SECOND GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we declare May 2021 as Save Your Tooth Month, recognize the endodontists who are dedicated to saving patients' natural teeth, and encourage citizens of Illinois to practice good oral hygiene to save their natural teeth.