SACRAMENTO, CA – The California Dental Association has recently honored Assemblymember Mary Hayashi (D-Hayward) with its coveted “Going Above and Beyond” award for her legislative work on Assembly Bill 834 last year.  The bill would provide additional preventative services for children participating in the California Dental Disease Prevention Program (CDDPP). 

The award represents a hard fought effort on behalf of California’s children who suffer from the number one chronic health problem, tooth decay.  According to a recent Health Interview Survey, it is estimated that nearly ½ million children in California missed school in 2003 due to dental problems.  Nearly a million children are eligible and waiting for CDDPP services.