MINNEAPOLIS, January 4, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Minnesota dentists offer free dental care to children in need on February 5 and 6, 2021. Appointments can be booked now. the Minnesota Dental Association (MDA) has nearly 1,000 volunteer dental professionals in more than 50 clinics across the state to Give the kids a smile.
Finding a clinic with open appointments is as easy as calling United Way 211 (just dial 2-1-1) or visiting mndental.org. Appointments can then be made directly with the dental office. No questions of eligibility are asked, in an effort to eliminate any potential barriers to care.
Patients must be 18 years of age or younger and accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. The specific services provided at each location will be outlined when booking the appointment. Multi-lingual volunteers are also available at many locations to help overcome language barriers.
Among the challenges:
- Tooth decay is one of the most chronic diseases of children and adolescents
- Nearly one in five children ages 5 to 11 have untreated cavities in their baby teeth, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
- Well over half of Minnesota children enrolled in Medicaid have not received dental care in the past year – the situation being compounded by Minnesota ranking among the lowest in the country for government dental program fee reimbursement
During this time of COVID-19, additional precautions and protective measures are in place at clinics participating in Give Kids a Smile. Dental clinics continue to follow guidelines and protocols recommended by the CDC to ensure safety during appointments.
Minnesota dentists provided free care to more than 80,000 children and donated valued services to more than $24 million over the past 18 years for Give Kids a Smile.
For more information on the Minnesota Dental Association‘s Give Kids a Smile, visit mndental.org.
The Minnesota Dental Association is the voice of dentistry in Minnesota, representing more than 70% of practicing dentists. It is committed to the highest standards of oral health and access to care for all Minnesotans. You can learn more about www.mndental.org.
SOURCE Minnesota Dental Association
Related links
http://www.mndental.org
