The Rhode Island Department of Health.

0% of Rhode Island's children under age 18 were uninsured, compared to 10.8% of children in the U.S. Rhode Island ranks 14 th in the nation with 93.0% of children with health insurance , down from 2 nd in 2002 and 2003. The majority of children in Rhode Island are covered by private health insurance, most of which is obtained through their parents' employers.  Recent increases in the rate of uninsured children in Rhode Island can be partly attributed to the decline in employer-sponsored insurance. Between 2006 and 2008, 67.2% of children were covered by employer-sponsored health insurance (ESI), down from 73.3% between 1999 and 2001 (an 8% decline). Immunizations The 2007-2008 Rhode Island School Children Immunization Assessment (comprised of data collected directly from student health records) included an analysis of 2,917 randomly-selected records from students in kindergarten and 7th grade across 125 randomly selected schools. Immunization completion rates averaged 97% for kindergarteners and 89% for children in 7th grade. The rates reflect children's immunization status as of the date they entered kindergarten or 7th grade. Dental Care Dental caries (tooth decay) is the most common disease among children five to 17 years old. Children with untreated dental problems are more likely to have problems chewing and swallowing, speech problems, and poor school performance due to difficulty concentrating and absenteeism.  Minority children also have higher rates of tooth decay and untreated dental problems than White children. Hispanic children (19%) in the U.S. are more likely not to have had a dental visit in more than two years than non-Hispanic Black (15%) or non-Hispanic White children (14%). Rhode Island children receiving Medical Assistance born on or after May 1, 2000 who were receiving dental benefits through the RIte Smiles program. There were 215 dental providers participating in the RIte Smiles program at the end of 2008, up from 90 when it began in September 2006. All children receiving Medical Assistance born before May 1, 2000 continue to receive dental benefits under the fee-for-service system.