WHEREAS, the Commonwealth of Virginia is celebrating the 20th anniversary of its Medicaid dental program—Cardinal Care Smiles—which began in 2005 to expand access to quality dental care for Medicaid-enrolled children; and

WHEREAS, since its inception, the program has grown into a comprehensive, inclusive benefit that now serves children, pregnant women, and adults, reflecting the Commonwealth’s commitment to oral healthcare and affirming that oral health is essential to overall health; and

WHEREAS, Cardinal Care Smiles now offers a broad range of preventive, diagnostic, restorative, surgical, and emergency dental services—improving the oral health, confidence, and quality of life of more than a million Virginians; and

WHEREAS, the success of the program is the result of strong collaboration between the Department of Medical Assistance Services (DMAS), dental providers, and advocacy partners across the Commonwealth who have worked together to ensure that Cardinal Care Smiles meets the diverse needs of Virginia’s Medicaid population; and

WHEREAS, the program’s growth and sustainability have been guided by improvements, ongoing stakeholder engagement, and the input of the Virginia Medicaid Dental Advisory Committee, whose members have played a vital role in enhancing access, quality, and accountability within the system; and

WHEREAS, the Commonwealth acknowledges the foundational contributions of early champions, including Dr. Terry Dickinson, whose leadership helped establish the collaborative framework that continues to support the program today; and

WHEREAS, over the past 20 years, Virginia’s Medicaid dental program has not only changed individual lives—it has helped transform public health, reduce disparities, and affirm the Commonwealth’s belief that oral health is a vital component of overall health care;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Glenn Youngkin, do hereby recognize July 24, 2025, as the 20^th ANNIVERSARY OF CARDINAL CARE SMILES, and I commend the program, Dr. Terry Dickinson, and all of its partners for two decades of dedicated service to Virginia’s Medicaid beneficiaries.