Finding care

For the sixth year, the Minnesota Dental Association is proud to coordinate a charitable outreach program, called Give Kids a Smile, to provide free care to low-income children in need. The two-day, statewide event is Friday, Feb. 1, and Saturday, Feb. 2, 2008. The Association is committed to doing what it can to make quality care accessible to every child in Minnesota. If you know a child who could benefit from this program, please provide his or her parents with the following information.

On Friday, Feb. 1, and Saturday, Feb. 2, 2008. Participating dental offices typically provide care on one of the two days and office hours vary.

Dental professionals who are donating their time and talents to this program are concerned about the growing number of children who are unable to access needed dental care. Patients will typically not be asked to verify their eligibility for this free care. It’s important to know that children must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian and must have an appointment in advance. Sorry, but same-day, walk-in care is not available on these days.

Services will vary from preventive care, which includes cleanings, sealants and fluoride treatment, to restorative care, which includes fillings. Information on specific services that will be provided on Feb. 1 and 2 will be outlined when an appointment is scheduled.

After Jan. 1, 2008, parents may call United Way 211 (just dial 2-1-1) or 800-543-7709. Operators will have a list of participating dental offices and will be able to direct people to a location in their area. Parents will then call the dental office to schedule an appointment.

After Jan. 1, 2008, a list of dentists who are taking appointments is also available online. This list changes constantly. It is sorted by county for your convenience. If you need translation services, please call United Way 2-1-1, where Information and Referral Specialists can assist you in Hmong, Somali and Spanish Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The specialists there can place a three-way call to the dental clinic and assist you in making an appointment.

Each participating dental office can set its own age range. Typically, the age range is 3 to 18. But, since it may vary, it’s important that parents ask this question when making an appointment for their child.

Give Kids a Smile provides two days of free dental care for low-income children in need. In some cases, more immediate dental attention may be necessary. To assist you in finding ongoing dental services, the Minnesota Dental Association has compiled a list of clinics that may take medical assistance, general assistance, or offer services on a sliding fee scale. Please note that information on this list is subject to change. Before making an appointment, please call the appropriate clinic to discuss your needs and clarify fees, eligibility and other details. Click here to find Resources for Ongoing Care.