Res. No. 718

Resolution calling on the New York State Education Department to adopt oral health education for all elementary school students.

By Council Members Joseph, Stevens, Narcisse, Schulman and Louis

Whereas, There is a systematic lack of cognizance regarding the importance of maintaining proper dental hygiene as robust oral health is related to maintaining overall physical health; and

Whereas, Dental cavities are the most common chronic disease in both children and adults according to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research; and

Whereas, Tooth decay and many oral diseases are preventable with proper brushing and flossing; and

Whereas, The New York State Department of Health recommends oral hygiene measures for babies from birth and brushing teeth should start as soon as the child’s first tooth comes in; and

Whereas, A child learning dental hygiene early can create the habit of regular brushing and flossing-promoting healthy oral hygiene from adolescence to adulthood; and

Whereas, According to the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, more than 33 percent of third-grade students have untreated tooth decay; and

Whereas, Failure to resolve tooth decay will only cause further health issues for the child growing up; and

Whereas, The American Dental Association recommends that children brush their teeth for at least two minutes a day twice a day and flossing should occur once a day; and

Whereas, Proper teaching of brushing and flossing behooves the child’s parents; and

Whereas, Not every student has the privilege to learn the intricacies of brushing and flossing; and

Whereas, According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, children from low-income families are twice as likely to have cavities juxtaposed to children from wealthier households; and

Whereas, As oral hygiene should start as early as possible, elementary school-aged children are primed for oral health lessons; and

Whereas, The New York State Education Department governs the education curriculum in public schools; and

Whereas, the New York State Education Department should dictate that public schools in New York State teach oral health education to set students up for a lifetime of positive oral health; now, therefore, be it

Resolved, That the Council of the City of New York calls on the New York State Education Department to adopt oral health education for elementary school students.

LS # 18494

12/23/24

JEB