Finding care

Now in its 10th year, Give Kids a Smile is a charitable program coordinated by the Minnesota Dental Association to provide free care to low-income children in need. The two-day, statewide event is Friday, Feb. 3, and Saturday, Feb. 4, 2012. The Association is committed to doing what it can to make quality care accessible to every child in Minnesota. If know a child who could benefit from this program, please provide his or her parents with the following information.

After Jan. 1, parents may call United Way 211 (just dial 2-1-1). Cell phone users should dial 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. The list of dental offices is also available online here for your convenience.

On Friday, Feb. 3, and Saturday, Feb. 4, 2012.  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. 3 and 4 will be outlined when an appointment is scheduled.

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.

• In the weeks before the child's appointment, families or teachers should read age-appropriate books to familiarize the child with what to expect during their dental exam. Your school or community library should have some good choices.

• On the day before the appointment, encourage families to drive together to the clinic. Just driving past the clinic helps ensure families know where the clinic is located and helps the child visualize - and feel more confident about - where he or she will visit the dentist.

• Please remind families to respect the clinic's time and dedication. For every child who doesn't show up for his or her appointment, another child could have been helped. If the family must cancel, they should give the clinic at least a day's notice, so the clinic can identify another child who could benefit from free care.

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.