(Stock photo/ Suzanne Carter-Jackson) Dental professionals all over the country are committed to educating every parent as to the importance of proper dental care.
5th Year of Free Dental Care for Needy Children
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JANUARY 09, 2007
By Press Release, PRNewswire

Families who cannot access or afford dental care have the opportunity to make sure their children receive check-ups and needed dental treatment in February when more than 1,000 volunteer dentists and other dental professionals donate their time and resources to provide free care. This is the 5th consecutive year the Minnesota Dental Association has coordinated the Give Kids a Smile outreach effort.
Free care will be provided at hundreds of dental offices and clinics throughout Minnesota on Friday, February 2 and Saturday, February 3. There are no questions asked about eligibility and no lengthy forms to fill out. The care is offered to all children whose families cannot afford to pay for dental care, but an advance appointment is req uired. Care will range from general exams to fluoride treatments, dental sealants and fillings for cavities.
"The Minnesota Dental Association is committed to making sure that every child has access to this vital part of their healthcare and well being," said Richard Wiberg, a practicing dentist in St. Paul and president of the Minnesota Dental Association.
Research shows that tooth decay is the most common chronic childhood disease, affecting 50% of U.S. first graders. Nationally, more than one-half of children ages 6 to 8 have tooth decay; one third of which goes untreated.
In Minnesota, low reimbursement rates for providing dental care to people on government programs has contributed to the numbers of untreated children. "We are calling on lawmakers to partner with us and use existing tax money collected from the dental community to provide dental care to children in need," said Dr. Wiberg.
Patients seeking appointments should be under the age of 18 and accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. People interested in scheduling an appointment for their child may do so by calling United Way 211 (just dial 2-1-1) or the statewide toll-free number 1-800-543-7709. Information on specific services that will be provided will be outlind when an appointment is scheduled. The program is conducted with support from 3M, HealthPartners, Patterson Dental and the Minnesota Dental Association Foundation.
The Minnesota Dental Association is the voice of dentistry in Minnesota, representing 83% of practicing dentists. It is committed to the highest standards of oral health and access to care for all Minnesotans.