WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Barbara A. Mikulski (D-Md.) announced today the Labor, Health and Human Services Appropriations Subcommittee has approved putting $1.2 million of fiscal year 2010 funding in the federal checkbook to support the Unified Oral Health Education initiative in Maryland. Senator Mikulski, a senior member of the Appropriations Committee, requested the federal funds earlier this year.

In 2007, 12-year-old Maryland resident Deamonte Driver died from an untreated dental infection that spread to his brain. In the aftermath of this tragedy, it became clear that many Marylanders need information about proper dental care. Tooth decay is preventable, yet it is one of the most prevalent chronic illnesses facing children in the United States today. Many people have poor access to adequate dental care. This is especially true for low-income children.

“In the United States of America, we shouldn’t lose kids because they don’t have access to a dentist,” Senator Mikulski said. “This campaign will honor Deamonte by helping kids and adults get the information and dental care they need to stay healthy.”

The funds requested by Senator Mikulski will be used to create a statewide oral health education messaging campaign directed at the general public as well as health care providers. The initiative will involve a multicultural oral health message to educate parents and caregivers of young children about the importance of oral health and the prevention of oral disease.

In the next step of the appropriations process, the full Appropriations Committee will consider this funding request. Once approved, it must then be passed by both the House and the Senate and sent to the President to be signed into law. Funds become available when these steps have been completed.