Over 2,000 children in need will have the opportunity to receive free dental care in February, courtesy of the Minnesota Dental Association.

The Give Kids A Smile campaign returns February 7 and February 8 and appointments can be booked now.  Patients must be 18 years-old or younger.

Among the dental challenges facing children today:

  • Tooth decay is the most chronic disease of children and adolescents
  • Nearly one in five children aged 5 to 11 years old has untreated cavities in their baby teeth, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
  • Well over half of Minnesota children enrolled in Medicaid have not received dental services in the past year - with the situation made worse by Minnesota ranking among the lowest-in-the-nation for reimbursement of government dental program fees

According to organizers, the the Minnesota Dental Association has over 1,200 dental professionals volunteering at nearly 100 clinics across the state available to help.

Click here to find a clinic with open appointments, or simply call the United Way by dialing 2-1-1.

Once you find a participating dentist, you can call their office directly to schedule an appointment and go over specific services provided.

Minnesota dentists have provided free care to more than 78,000 children and donated services valued at more than $23 million over the past 17 years to Give Kids a Smile.

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Public donations help fund the campaign.  You can help by texting Smile25 to 20222 and make a donation of $25.

 

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