Smiles Change Lives Treating Orthodontic Patients in Minnesota
Smiles Change Lives began treating patients in Minnesota in April 2008. This program, endorsed by the American Association of Orthodontists, was founded in 1997 in the Kansas City area to provide orthodontic care to children ages 11-18 whose parents/guardians cannot afford orthodontic treatment.
Families must apply to the program, followed by an orthodontic screening and finally a review by the local Minnesota Community Advisory Board. Once accepted, the patient is referred to a participating community orthodontist who agrees to treat the patient for free. The parents/guardians must pay an initial $250 fee once accepted into the program. Other funding for the administration of the program comes from donations by individuals and businesses. 3M has recently signed on to the program as the Official Orthodontic Industry Sponsor for 2008 and 2009.
The extensive application process requires a statement by the parents/guardians and the child indicating why they want and/or need orthodontic care, a referral from their dentist indicating general oral health and their most recent tax return. These documents are then evaluated by the Smiles Change Lives staff in Kansas City to determine financial need. An orthodontic evaluation is then conducted at the University of Minnesota Division of Orthodontics, and a local community advisory board, currently composed of John Beyer, Michelle Bergsrud, Kevin Denis, Keith Erickson, Steve Litton, Dan Shaw, Mike Salchert and Eileen Youngren, determine who receives the treatment based upon the application, the orthodontic evaluation and available funding. Treatment is provided by Minnesota orthodontists who are willing to participate in the program. Currently, there are 40 partner orthodontists in Minnesota eager to begin treating youth through the Smiles Change Lives program.
If you are aware of a child age 11-18 who has good oral hygiene, has lost most or all of their deciduous teeth, has a moderate to severe malocclusion and could benefit from orthodontic treatment, please have their parents/guardian contact the Smiles Change Lives program at 888-900-3554 or www.smileschangelives.org for an application.
You also may make a financial contribution to the program and designate it for Minnesota recipients. If you have further questions, please contact Steve Litton at 763-544-2211 or sflitton@aol.com.
Author: Dr. Steve Litton
December 8, 2008
Minnesota dentists issue report on the creation of new dental team member
MDA proposal will improve access while maintaining quality, safety and proven model of the dental team
St. Paul, MN - The Minnesota Dental Association (MDA) today outlined the principles and elements needed to safely expand dental care access throughout the state through the creation of a new dental team member. The new position, an oral health practitioner (OHP), will greatly expand access to care for those Minnesotans in underserved populations, such as rural and low-income individuals.
“The MDA report issued today reflects the expert opinion of dentists in Minnesota and provides guidelines to dramatically improve access, maintain quality care and ensure patient safety in the creation of the new OHP team member,” explained Dr. Jamie Sledd of the Minnesota Dental Association.
The principles outlined in today’s report allow an OHP to provide basic preventive services, such as placing sealants and fluoride varnish. The OHP may also perform limited surgical procedures, such as fillings, under the supervision of a dentist. Other recommendations include:
To fulfill the legislature’s intent to address dental access by creating a new type of dental worker, the oral health practitioner must not be limited by practice setting, but must ensure that over half of their patients are from underserved populations.
Oral health practitioners should receive the same high quality dental education as dental students by being integrated into a dental education program.
Ensure that the economic impact of the oral health practitioner is positive in a variety of practice settings, that the oral health of patients treated improves and that the cost of care either remains the same or decreases.
Ensure that when an oral health practitioner provides surgical dental procedures, the patient has first received an examination, diagnosis and treatment plan by a Minnesota-licensed dentist in active practice in Minnesota and that the dentist provides on-site supervision of the OHP.
The MDA report comes at the conclusion of the oral health practitioner work group, which was created by the legislature this year to study and recommend the guidelines for the creation of an OHP program. However, the work group, comprised of dentists, hygienists, and other medical and education professionals, concluded without reaching a consensus on critical issues such as the scope of practice, education and regulatory requirements of an OHP. As a result, the work group’s report that will be issued this month will not reflect the expert opinions of the majority of Minnesota dentists on the OHP position. Today’s MDA report expresses the majority opinion of Minnesota dentists on these critical aspects affecting the safe and effective delivery of oral health care in Minnesota.
By keeping to the recommendations outlined in today’s MDA report, the legislature will be able to correctly design an OHP position that will not only expand dental care but also ensure the safety of every patient in served in the state.
Minnesota dentists will work to ensure that any position created by the legislature in 2009 reflects the principles outlined in their report. Quality of care and effectiveness must be paramount in the creation of this new member to the dental team.
The Minnesota Dental Association is the voice of dentistry in Minnesota, representing 83 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.
October 7, 2008
Grand Rapids Dentist Dr. Lee Jess Elected President Of Minnesota Dental Association
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - - Dr. Lee Jess, D.D.S., who has a long-established practice in Grand Rapids, MN has been elected president of the Minnesota Dental Association (MDA) by his peers. Dr. Jess was chosen at the annual House of Delegates meeting of the Minnesota Dental Association held in Bloomington, Minnesota, on Sept. 19-20.
Dr. Jess has been actively engaged in leading the dental profession, from mentoring students interested in careers in dentistry (one of whom is now a full-time employee in his office) to serving in national leadership roles.
In accepting the new position as MDA president, Dr. Jess said, "It is an honor to lead one of the best dental associations in the country at a time when the number one issue is ensuring access to quality dental care for all Minnesotans. We have important decisions that need to be made wisely."
Dr. Jess has been involved with emerging issues in the field of dentistry locally and throughout the nation. Twenty years ago, he helped to create a program in Itasca County to assure access to dental care for low income populations which is still successfully operating today and treats thousands of patients each year. In just the last three months, he has met with more than half of all of the leaders of state dental organizations in the United States to learn about the issues in dentistry nationwide. He is currently chair of the Midwestern region of the American Dental Association (ADA) known as the 10th District. He has also served as a trustee to the Minnesota Dental Association Board for six years.
He has always been an active member of his community, serving in leadership and fundraising positions for scores of civic, fine arts, conservation and sporting associations, as well as his church. He has served as president of the Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce. He was also the chair and headed fundraising efforts for the Itasca Community College Foundation, and served as a board member for the Itasca County YMCA, the Grand Rapids Library Foundation, and Itasca Recreation Association. He is also a co-founder of the "Tall Timber Days" celebration, and a 40-year member of the Grand Rapids Kiwanis. Dr. Jess graduated from Ripon College in Ripon, Wisconsin and the Loyola School of Dentistry in Chicago. He and his wife, Mary Jo, live in Grand Rapids, Minnesota.
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. Learn more at: www.mndental.org
April 17, 2008
Minnesota Dentists Support Passage of New Oral Health Initiative
Minnesota Dental Association, others to collaborate on study of Oral Health Practitioner
St. Paul, MN - The Minnesota Dental Association (MDA) supported the successful passage of a legislative proposal today that will help ensure safe and effective care for Minnesota citizens that have difficulty accessing oral healthcare.
The MDA worked closely with other healthcare experts to propose the study of an oral health practitioner (OHP) that resulted in today's legislative action. The study, passed today as part of the larger Senate Omnibus Higher Education Bill, will convene a workgroup of oral healthcare experts to study how best to implement this new dental position, with the goal of providing safe, quality dental care to underserved populations, such as low-income and rural areas.
"Today's Senate action was a major breakthrough that will improve oral healthcare for those Minnesotans in the greatest need of access to quality dental care. The initiative reflects the tireless work of all oral healthcare stakeholders, including the MDA, Hennepin County Medical Center, the University of Minnesota Dental School, community clinics and others," explained Dr. Jamie Sledd, president of the MDA. "It has always been the goal of the MDA to provide the best possible dental care to all Minnesotans: It is our hope that an OHP can help to efficiently and effectively expand access for underserved populations. We thank Senator Yvonne Prettner Solon, Senator Ann Lynch and Senator John Doll for their efforts on this proposal and for working with all stakeholders to produce a responsible compromise."
A workgroup representing dentists, dental hygienists and other members of the dental community will produce a study and recommend the specifics of an OHP's scope of practice, supervision, education, training and regulatory requirements. The study will examine how an oral health practitioner may help expand dental access in underserved areas, ensure patient safety and maintain Minnesota's high standards of care. By January 2009, the work group will bring policy recommendations to the legislature.
The study of an OHP will be an important first step towards increasing oral health services to underserved Minnesotans. The MDA will continue to advocate for other proactive changes to the state's public dental programs to increase access to oral healthcare in low-income and rural areas.
The Minnesota Dental Association is the voice of dentistry in Minnesota, representing 83 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.
Updated March 24, 2008
Minnesota Dental Association Statement Regarding SF2895
(to establish an Advanced Dental Hygiene Practitioner)
The Minnesota Dental Association believes expanding access to quality dental care to all Minnesotans should be a top priority for lawmakers. Low-income and rural areas are underserved in our state, and we should be working to expand existing programs that reach these populations.
However, we have grave concerns about SF2895, a bill to establish a new dental hygienist or what proponents are calling an Advanced Dental Hygiene Practitioner (ADHP).
Under this legislation, this untested, unsafe and unaccredited hygienist would be allowed to cut and drill in patients’ mouths without a dentist present in the building for supervision. No other state legislature has gone to such an extreme of having non-dentists drill and extract teeth or perform baby root canals.
This hasty and drastic measure puts patients’ safety at risk.
The bill claims that a new hygienist position will help expand access. Far from it: The bill allows this new untested hygienist to practice anywhere in the state and does not require them to serve underinsured or uninsured populations.
The new hygienist program being proposed would not be accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA), which for decades has been the standard third-party accrediting entity for dental schools, as well as dental hygiene and dental assisting programs.
In addition, this proposal greatly expands the scope of practice for dental hygienists. It allows hygienists with half the formal education of dentists to perform these irreversible procedures without a dentist in the building to supervise. For instance, some orthodontic and prosthodontic procedures proposed are commonly done by specialty dentists with up to four years of post-doctoral residency.
Minnesota has some of the best dental care in the country for a reason: Fully trained dentists work with an exceptional dental team to provide the highest quality care. The MDA urges lawmakers to support existing programs already in place to expand access, rather than reach for such a drastic and unwise bill.
The Minnesota Dental Association is the voice of dentistry in Minnesota, representing 83 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.
January 31, 2008
Minnesota Dentists: “Health Care Reform Must Include Increased Access to Quality Dental Care”
Minnesota Dental Association Announces 2008 Legislative Agenda as Legislative Commission on Health Care Access Prepares Final Report
St. Paul, MN –The Minnesota Dental Association is urging lawmakers concerned about health care to develop healthy solutions that maintain the highest standards of oral health and close the gap in access to care. A commitment to making sure that every Minnesotan has access to quality care is the top legislative priority of the Minnesota Dental Association.
“Minnesota has some of the best oral health care in the country because we have professional doctors who provide safe, effective, comprehensive care for patients,” said Dr. Jamie Sledd, president of the Minnesota Dental Association. “Unfortunately, too many children and families still do not have access to the quality dental care they deserve. Some proposals claim to improve the gap in access, but they put Minnesotans’ oral health at risk by compromising quality and safety.”
The Minnesota Dental Association has developed a comprehensive plan that will provide leadership to improve access to underserved populations while maintaining quality care.
The Minnesota Dental Association’s legislative agenda to improve access includes:
- Improving access by strengthening existing partnerships between dentists and hygienists. To ensure low income patients receive preventive dental care, the legislature needs to continue promoting “collaborative agreements” that allow hygienists to administer preventive care outside of a dental office. These agreements were enacted into state law a few years ago and need continued promotion to encourage participation.
- Improving access through creation of a uniform public dental program statewide. Currently the Minnesota dental profession is required by the Department of Human Services to use nine different dental programs with nine different administrative systems. This multiple-program system creates a barrier to care for patients and is very inefficient and costly.
- Improving access by expanding incentives for dental professionals to serve needy populations. The Loan Forgiveness Program provides meaningful incentives to the dental profession and provides oral health care services to the underserved, especially Minnesota Health Care Program (MCHP) children. New dentists and dental hygienists who commit to three years of service in geographic areas where dental access is most acute should have their loans forgiven and receive a sign-on bonus.
Dr. Sledd explained that the foundation already exists to expand access. These are a few commonsense reforms which will vastly improve access to preventive oral health care. She stated these tactics will guarantee better quality and greater access for everyone.
The Minnesota Dental Association is the voice of dentistry in Minnesota, representing 83 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.
January, 2008
Minnesota Dental Community Takes Action to Provide Free Dental Care to Children in Need
Free Dental Appointments Now Being Scheduled Statewide
(Minneapolis, MN) - - Local volunteer dentists are teaming up with dental professionals throughout Minnesota to provide their services, at no charge, to children whose families could otherwise not afford the care. The Minnesota Dental Association is sponsoring this unique outreach effort, called Give Kids a Smile, because dentists are committed to providing all children with dental care and improving access to care throughout Minnesota.
The free care will be provided on Friday, February 1 and Saturday, February 2, 2008 when thousands of dentists and other volunteers across the state open their offices and clinics to provide completely free dental care to children whose families cannot otherwise afford the care.
This year marks our 6th consecutive year of Give Kids a Smile. In the past six years free dental care has been provided to more than 25,000 children in need. The statewide effort has grown into one of the largest efforts to provide free dental care to children in need. Give Kids a Smile is one of several innovative programs led by the Minnesota Dental Association to provide access to care for underserved populations including children, the disabled and the elderly.
“This is such a special way for us to reach children in great need of dental care", said Dr. Jamie Sledd, president of the Minnesota Dental Association. “I am proud that dentists are leading the way to solve the access problem and it is very rewarding to open our doors to any child who needs treatment.”
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 outlined when an appointment is scheduled.
The care is offered to all children whose families don’t have the means to pay for dental care, but an advance appointment is required. Care will range from general exams to fluoride treatments, dental sealants and fillings for cavities.
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.
Give Kids a Smile partners include HealthPartners, Patterson Dental, 3M Espe Dental Products 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. You can learn more at www.mndental.org.
January, 2008
Minnesota Dental Community Takes Action to Provide Free Dental Care to Children in Need
(Minneapolis, MN) - - Local volunteer dentists are teaming up with dental professionals throughout Minnesota to provide their services, at no charge, to children whose families could otherwise not afford the care. The Minnesota Dental Association is sponsoring this unique outreach effort, called Give Kids a Smile, because dentists are committed to providing all children with dental care and improving access to care throughout Minnesota.
The free care will be provided on Friday, February 1 and Saturday, February 2, 2008 when thousands of dentists and other volunteers across the state open their offices and clinics to provide completely free dental care to children whose families cannot otherwise afford the care.
This year marks our 6th consecutive year of Give Kids a Smile. In the past six years free dental care has been provided to more than 25,000 children in need. The statewide effort has grown into one of the largest efforts to provide free dental care to children in need. Give Kids a Smile is one of several innovative programs led by the Minnesota Dental Association to provide access to care for underserved populations including children, the disabled and the elderly.
"This is such a special way for us to reach children in great need of dental care", said Dr. Jamie Sledd, president of the Minnesota Dental Association. "I am proud that dentists are leading the way to solve the access problem and it is very rewarding to open our doors to any child who needs treatment."
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 outlined when an appointment is scheduled.
The care is offered to all children whose families don't have the means to pay for dental care, but an advance appointment is required. Care will range from general exams to fluoride treatments, dental sealants and fillings for cavities.
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.
Give Kids a Smile partners include HealthPartners, Patterson Dental, 3M Espe Dental Products and the Minnesota Dental Association Foundation.
Free Dental Appointments Now Being Scheduled Statewide
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. You can learn more at www.mndental.org.