MINNEAPOLIS, Jan. 11,
2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Minnesota dentists are offering free dental
care for children in need on February
4 and 5, 2022. Appointments can be booked now. The Minnesota
Dental Association (MDA) has nearly 1,000 dental professionals
volunteering at over 50 clinics across the state for Give Kids a
Smile.
Finding a clinic with open appointments is as easy as calling
United Way 211 (just dial 2-1-1) or by visiting mndental.org.
Appointments can then be scheduled directly with the dental office.
No eligibility questions are asked, in an effort to remove any
possible barrier to care.
Patients must be 18 years or younger and accompanied by a parent
or legal guardian. Specific services provided at each location will
be outlined when an appointment is scheduled. Volunteers speaking
multiple languages are also available at many locations to help
with language barriers.
Among the challenges:
- Tooth decay is one of 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 Centers
for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
- 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
During this time of COVID-19, extra precautions and safeguards
are in place at Give Kids a Smile participating clinics. Dental
clinics continue to follow guidance and protocols recommended by
the CDC to ensure safety during appointments.
Minnesota dentists have
provided free care to more than 81,000 children and donated
services valued at more than $24
million since 2003.
For more information about the Minnesota Dental Association's
Give Kids a Smile, visit mndental.org.
The Minnesota Dental Association is the voice of dentistry in
Minnesota, representing over 70
percent of practicing dentists. It is committed to the highest
standards of oral health and access to care for all Minnesotans.
You can learn more at www.mndental.org.
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SOURCE Minnesota Dental Association