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Minnesota News
"Give Kids a Smile" Comes Up a Winner
Dentists step up to the chair to give kids a smile
Minnesota dentists came together to "Give Kids a Smile" - thousands of smiles, in fact - in 60 clinics across the state February 21. About 200 MDA members provided free dental, in their own offices or at clinics in their communities, to children in need. And the patients weren't the only ones who came out smiling. The event left hundreds of participating dentists and their staffs grinning as well.
"It was one of the greatest days I've had in my almost 20 years of practice", said Bob Marolt, chair of the MDA's Public Relations Committee. "We don't have a lot of data yet but from everything I've heard, I think it was a home run."
Drs. Marolt, Scott Lingle, and 13 staff members donated their time at Dr. Marolt's clinic to serve nearly 40 young patients ranging in age from two to 12 - many of whom were visiting a dentist for the first time. Dr. Marolt said that, to his knowledge, each of the children had a positive experience. "And their parents were universally grateful. We received a number of thank you notes."
"At first, a couple of parents wondered, "what's the catch?" But there was no catch. We're lucky to have this special set of skills, and we're glad to be able to give something back."
Just as importantly, the effort raised awareness of an urgent problem. The Surgeon General has spoken out on "the silent epidemic" of oral health disease among minorities and people living in poverty. Children and the elderly are at the greatest risk. More than a third of low income children have at least one untreated decayed tooth by age nine, compared with 17% of children living above the poverty line.
"We wanted to be able to provide as much case as possible, but we recognize that the problem of access can't be solved in one day." Dr.. Marolt explained.
A statewide ad campaign co-sponsored by MDA business partners Patterson Dental Supply, 3M, HealthPartners, and Medica helped raise public awareness of the growing problem of untreated dental disease.
Dr. Marolt says the MDA had to be measured in its promotion of the event, because dentists worried about not being able to accommodate every patient who showed up. "Give Kids a Smile" is part of a larger campaign being organized nationwide by the American Dental Association.
In the Normandale Community College (NCC) clinic, three dentists, six NCC dental hygiene faculty members, and numerous enthusiastic students saw 48 at-risk children from ages 3 to 16. Twenty-five of those patients received 89 sealants on first, and/or second molars: 11 of the children were diagnosed with dental caries. Their parents and guardians received lists of community clinics where the restorative work could be done. All patients and their parents or guardians received oral hygiene instructions.
"This was community health work at its finest," said NCC dental hygiene program director Colleen Brickle, RDH, Ed.D. Not knowing how many patients would show up, plus dealing with language barriers in some instances, made the event a challenge. But Ms. Brickle says the young patients were extremely patient and polite. "There was chaos, but it was fun. It was just so rewarding for all of us. The students are already saying, "when are we going to do this again?"
"It really helped open their eyes to the fact that right here in Bloomington there is an access problem. If this influenced just a few students to pursue careers in community health, that alone makes it worth it."
Ms. Brickle added that the Normandale clinic would not have been possible without a grant from the Minnesota Dental Foundation, which paid for radiographs, fluoride, and other necessary items.
MDA Access Committee member John Nei said the day was a bonding experience for the five dentists, 14 staff members, and other volunteers - which included the mayor; a county commissioner; and state representative Mary Ellen Otremba - in his Long Prairie clinic. With extensive logistical aid from the Todd County Public Health Department, they managed to see 85 kids throughout the day. A 12-year-old bilingual patient filled in for the scheduled Spanish language interpreter, who was ill, and the volunteers shared a special grilled lunch at noon. "We had a ball," said Dr. Nei. "I hope we cast some light on the situation for other legislators and the public."
MDA members are eager to make the event an annual affair. While volunteerism from the dental community is a start, Dr. Marolt said policymakers must do their share, too. The MDA has identified several policy suggestions for the legislature, many of which do not necessitate big spending increases. Among them:
· Establishing dental urgent care clinics and additional community based volunteer clinics;
· Adopting a demonstration program that simplifies administration for government assistance programs;
· Providing more realistic reimbursement for dentists who treat low income patients;
· Implementing a program already approved by the legislature that allows for "donated dental services"; and
· Strengthening the Dental Loan Forgiveness Program so new dentists are not discouraged from serving low-income patients, especially in rural areas.
Dr. Marolt wishes events like "Give Kids a Smile" weren't necessary, but he is confident that many of his colleagues will gladly share their time to give more Minnesota children access to quality dental care. "This is very worthwhile. It was just really cool. I don't know how else to describe it."
Copyright 2003. Minnesota Dental Association
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