Archives 2007
August 2007
MINNESOTA DENTAL ASSOCIATION INFORMS HEART PATIENTS OF NEW DENTAL TREATMENT GUIDELINES
Antibiotic Treatment No Longer Needed for Most Heart Patients in Advance of Dental Visit
Minneapolis, MN - - The Minnesota Dental Association wants dental patients with heart disease to know that most heart patients will no longer need to take antibiotics before receiving dental treatment. New guidelines have been adopted by both the American Heart Association and the American Dental Association which should significantly reduce the number of patients needing to take a course of antibiotics before a dental appointment. The new guidelines are based on scientific research showing that the risks of taking preventive antibiotics outweigh the benefits for most heart patients. The new guidelines developed by the American Heart Association and adopted by the American Dental Association recommend antibiotic treatment shortly before a dental visit only for those heart patients at highest risk.
"This is very good news for most heart patients and should simplify dental visits for many seniors and others with more common heart conditions," said President of the Minnesota Dental Association, Dr. Richard Wiberg, whose practice is located in Roseville. "We want patients with heart conditions to check carefully to see if they no longer need to take a course of antibiotics before a dental cleaning or other treatment."
Heart patients who routinely took antibiotics before a dental visit in the past but no longer need to are those with rheumatic heart disease, calcified aortic stenosis and mitral valve prolapse, bicuspid valve disease as well as those with certain congenital heart conditions such as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Antibiotics before a dental visit are now recommended only for those heart patients with artificial heart valves, heart transplant patients who develop cardiac valve problems, certain congenital heart disease, recipients of an artificial patch to repair a congenital defect within the past six months or patients with a history of IE. For a complete list, go to: www.ada.org
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
August 2007
INNOVATIVE SOLUTION EXTENDS NEEDED DENTAL CARE TO HEAD START CHILDREN
Minneapolis, MN --- An innovative solution which should increase needed dental care for children served by Head Start has been approved by both the federal government and the Minnesota Department of Human Services. Developed through a proposal by the Minnesota Head Start Program, the Minnesota Dental Association (MDA), the Minnesota Dental Hygienists Association (MDHA), and Apple Tree Dental, this unique plan will improve dental access for Head Start children through use of "collaborative dental hygienists."
This initiative is one of the first in the nation, a model being watched by other states, that will allow Minnesota to increase the percentage of Head Start children receiving a dental exam. Currently less than 65% of children in some areas are receiving such an exam, far less than the 100% required by federal law. In fact, some of Minnesota’s Head Start programs were at risk of losing their federal funding because of the cited health and safety deficiency. Studies have shown that about 30% of the children will have untreated cavities and 10% will have urgent dental care needs.
"I think we will look back on this as an important moment when the MDA and MDHA took the lead to fully implement community collaborative practice so that those who need it the most receive the care they need," said Deb Jacobi, Director of Policy and Advocacy for the non-profit Apple Tree Dental.
Under the approved plan, the dental hygienists will triage the children into three categories, including those with no untreated dental caries, those with untreated caries, and those who need immediate dental treatment. Those children with dental needs will then be referred to a participating dentist for a further examination and treatment.
"We are just thrilled," said Gayle Kelly, executive director of the Minnesota Head Start Association. "This helps to make sure that children who really need dental services will get treatment."
The agreement allows dental hygienists who have entered into a collaborative agreement with a dentist to be able to assess Head Start children. Minnesota’s collaborative agreement law allows a licensed dental hygienist who meets certain experience and education qualifications to perform hygiene services for the uninsured and medical assistance recipients in settings other than the typical dental office, including Head Start programs.
"Minnesota dentists are committed to providing all children with dental care," said Richard Wiberg, a practicing dentist and president of the Minnesota Dental Association. "This is one of several ways the dental profession is trying to improve access to dental care where it is needed most, despite under-funded government reimbursement programs."
In February, the Minnesota Dental Association’s Give Kids a Smile outreach will provide free dental care to children across the state for the 5th year. More than 20,000 children have received free dental care through this outreach effort. And more than 200 dentists participate in the Donated Dental Service Program in which dentists donate their services to the elderly, handicapped, chronically ill and developmentally disabled.
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
April 2007
FREE STATEWIDE DENTAL CARE PROGRAM SHOWS VOLUNTEER SUPPORT AND NEED ARE GREAT
(Minneapolis, MN) - - Minnesota children in need received a record of nearly $1.7 million dollars in free dental care during the two days in February that free care was provided at hundreds of dental offices throughout Minnesota. Thousands of children all over the state were brought into dental offices for treatment during the recently completed Give Kids a Smile outreach sponsored by the Minnesota Dental Association. This was the 5th year that the Minnesota Dental Association has led the statewide outreach effort that has served more than 30,000 children.
“The record of amount of care needed tells me that we continue to have gaps in our care system,” said Richard Wiberg, a practicing dentist in St. Paul and president of the Minnesota Dental Association. “I am so proud of the 1,940 volunteers who donated their time and services to treat the children. Minnesota dentists are committed to making sure that all children have access to quality dental care.”
Dental professionals teamed up with United Way 2-1-1, Head Start, social workers, community nurses, schools and other community groups to ensure that children throughout the state received the care they need. Information was made available in five languages and no financial eligibility requirements were imposed.
Children under 18 received a broad array of care including 3,898 fluoride treatments and nearly 3,264 fillings. Unfortunately, the untreated decay in some children resulted in 441 tooth extractions.
Joining the Minnesota Dental Association in this outreach effort were 3M, Patterson Dental Supply, HealthPartners, United Way, and the Minnesota Dental Foundation.
Minnesota dentists donate millions of dollars in care each year to low-income patients of all ages through charity care in their private practices, at community clinics and through participation in projects like GKAS and Donated Dental Services, a partner program between the MDA and the state for providing oral health care to disabled, senior, poor and uninsured state residents. For a complete listing of free and reduced clinics year round, visit the MDA website at www.mndental.org
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
EDITOR NOTE: Please call to schedule an interview.
January 2007
INNOVATIVE SOLUTION EXTENDS NEEDED DENTAL CARE TO HEAD START CHILDREN
(Minneapolis, MN) --- An innovative solution which should increase needed dental care for children served by Head Start has been approved by both the federal government and the Minnesota Department of Human Services. Developed through a proposal by the Minnesota Head Start Program, the Minnesota Dental Association (MDA), the Minnesota Dental Hygienists Association (MDHA), and Apple Tree Dental, this unique plan will improve dental access for Head Start children through use of “collaborative dental hygienists.”
This initiative is one of the first in the nation, a model being watched by other states, that will allow Minnesota to increase the percentage of Head Start children receiving a dental exam. Currently less than 65% of children in some areas are receiving such an exam, far less than the 100% required by federal law. In fact, some of Minnesota’s Head Start programs were at risk of losing their federal funding because of the cited health and safety deficiency. Studies have shown that about 30% of the children will have untreated cavities and 10% will have urgent dental care needs.
“I think we will look back on this as an important moment when the MDA and MDHA took the lead to fully implement community collaborative practice so that those who need it the most receive the care they need,” said Deb Jacobi, Director of Policy and Advocacy for the non-profit Apple Tree Dental.
Under the approved plan, the dental hygienists will triage the children into three categories, including those with no untreated dental caries, those with untreated caries, and those who need immediate dental treatment. Those children with dental needs will then be referred to a participating dentist for a further examination and treatment.
“We are just thrilled,” said Gayle Kelly, executive director of the Minnesota Head Start Association. “This helps to make sure that children who really need dental services will get treatment.”
The agreement allows dental hygienists who have entered into a collaborative agreement with a dentist to be able to assess Head Start children. Minnesota’s collaborative agreement law allows a licensed dental hygienist who meets certain experience and education qualifications to perform hygiene services for the uninsured and medical assistance recipients in settings other than the typical dental office, including Head Start programs.
“Minnesota dentists are committed to providing all children with dental care,” said Richard Wiberg, a practicing dentist and president of the Minnesota Dental Association. “This is one of several ways the dental profession is trying to improve access to dental care where it is needed most, despite under-funded government reimbursement programs.”
In February, the Minnesota Dental Association’s Give Kids a Smile outreach will provide free dental care to children across the state for the 5th year. More than 20,000 children have received free dental care through this outreach effort. And more than 200 dentists participate in the Donated Dental Service Program in which dentists donate their services to the elderly, handicapped, chronically ill and developmentally disabled.
January 2007
Free Dental Care for Children in Need Provided for 5thConsecutive Year
GIVE KIDS A SMILE HAS SERVED MORE THAN 20,000 CHILDREN BUT NEED REMAINS
(Minneapolis, MN) – Families who cannot access or afford dental care have the opportunity to make sure their children receive check-ups and needed dental treatment in February when more than 1,000 volunteer dentists and other dental professionals donate their time and resources to provide free care. This is the 5th consecutive year the Minnesota Dental Association has coordinated the Give Kids a Smile outreach effort.
Free care will be provided at hundreds of dental offices and clinics throughout Minnesota on Friday, February 2 and Saturday, February 3. There are no questions asked about eligibility and no lengthy forms to fill out. The care is offered to all children whose families cannot afford 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.
“The Minnesota Dental Association is committed to making sure that every child has access to this vital part of their healthcare and well being,” said Richard Wiberg, a practicing dentist in St. Paul and president of the Minnesota Dental Association.
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.
In Minnesota, low reimbursement rates for providing dental care to people on government programs has contributed to the numbers of untreated children. “We are calling on lawmakers to partner with us and use existing tax money collected from the dental community to provide dental care to children in need,” said Dr. Wiberg.
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 program is conducted with support from 3M, HealthPartners, Patterson Dental and the Minnesota Dental Association Foundation.
APPLY TO DHS BY DECEMBER 14 FOR INCREASED MINNESOTA HEALTH CARE PROGRAM REIMBURSEMENTS
The MDA encourages you to apply for increased reimbursements for your public program patients, consistent with action of the 2007 MDA House of Delegates. The MDA has successfully lobbied the legislature for substantial increases in state funding so that reimbursements to dentists who treat public program patients can be increased. If you think that you qualify or if you are interested in becoming eligible for increased reimbursements, please review this information and apply for the increased reimbursements by the end of the day December 14. Not only will these increased reimbursements help those of you who see public program patients and who qualify, but the low-income underserved Minnesotans who have difficulty accessing dental care will be better served in the state. So, please participate in this reimbursement-increase program if you can—it is for the benefit of you and the underserved patients of the state.
- Click on this link to the DHS web site—it will give you DHS’s official information.
- Within the Web page identified above there are a number of other Web links. However, toward the end of the page identified above, the link that reads MHCP Critical Access Dental Practice Designation Request form is the key link that will give you the application form that you need to apply for the increased reimbursements. This link within the DHS Web page provides the key information you need to apply for the increased reimbursements.
- The information below provides more detail about the Critical Access Dental Practice Program.
The Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) has posted the opportunity for Minnesota dentists to apply for increased reimbursements under the state’s Critical Access Dental Practice Program (CADPP). Please read carefully the posting by DHS and the application form, which you can access by clicking on the link above. This opportunity to apply for increased reimbursements is occurring because the MDA successfully lobbied the legislature for additional funding for dentistry. Here is an outline of what you need to know.
- If your practice is accepted as a CADPP Provider, you will be reimbursed 30% above the usual rate for Medical Assistance patients and 50% more than the usual rate for your MinnesotaCare patients, beginning January 1, 2008.
- To be eligible for these increased reimbursements, you must submit an application form to DHS (see the DHS web site links above) before 4 p.m., December 14, 2007. Documentation is required as part of the application process.
- To be accepted as a CADPP dental provider receiving these increased reimbursements for MHCP (public program) patients, your practice must be enrolled as an MHCP provider and the practice’s NPI must be submitted to DHS.
- Your practice must meet one of the following criteria:
- If 20% or more of your practice’s patient base consists of MHCP (public program) patients, your application will be automatically accepted. Public program patients are patients whose care is funded under Medical Assistance, General Assistance Medical Care (GAMC), or MinnnesotaCare. The definition of “patients” does not include persons seen on a consultation basis or on a charity basis.
- If your practice is not currently a CADPP provider and is not currently at a 20% MHCP patient load, you can apply and you may be conditionally accepted. Thus, if you apply by December 14, 2007, and you submit documentation before June 2, 2008 that shows that 20% of your patient base is MHCP patients, increased reimbursements will begin July 1, 2008.
- If your practice is a specialty practice and agrees to increase the number of MHCP patients seen in 2008 to 20% or to accept all MHCP patients seeking care until the 20% level is reached, you will be accepted for increased reimbursements.
- If you do not meet the above criteria but your practice serves one of eight counties with low MHCP access, you can apply and be accepted for increased reimbursements if you agree to increase the number of MHCP patients seen in 2008 to 20% or you agree to accept all MHCP patients seeking care until the 20% level has been reached. The eight counties (in alphabetical order) are: Cook, Lake of the Woods, Mahnomen, Marshall, Pennington, Polk, Pope and Red Lake.
The MDA is pleased to have provided the additional funding and program expansion for dentists and we are also pleased to provide this information to you.
If you have questions, you may call the DHS Provider Call Center at (651) 431-2700 or (800) 366-5411, or you may call the MDA at (612) 767-8400 or (800) 950-3368.
September 2007
MAPLE GROVE DENTIST JAMIE SLEDD ELECTED PRESIDENT OF MINNESOTA DENTAL ASSOCIATION
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - - Dr. Jamie Sledd, D.D.S., who practices general dentistry in Maple Grove, has been elected president of the Minnesota Dental Association (MDA) at the annual House of Delegates meeting in Duluth, Minnesota.
Dr. Sledd has an established general dentistry practice at Arbor Lakes Dental and knew at a young age she wanted to work in health care. When Dr. Sledd heard her grandmother lost her teeth at the age of 29, it strongly influenced her decision to focus on dentistry. "As President of the Minnesota Dental Association, I want to focus on our continuing efforts to make sure the highest quality of care is accessible to people all over Minnesota," said Dr. Sledd.
Dr. Sledd has been an active leader in the dental professional in both professional capacities and with service initiatives. She has served as liaison to the Minnesota Board of Dentistry since 2004 and has also been a delegate to the American Dental Association.
She has been actively involved with the Give Kids a Smile outreach initiative, providing free dental care to children in need since the program’s inception. Volunteer dentists and donated dental laboratories in Minnesota have provided more than one million dollars of care to people in need through this program. "I am very proud to lead a profession whose members are so engaged in finding ways to increase access for all citizens," said Dr. Sledd.
Dr. Sledd graduated from the Marquette University School of Dentistry in 1988 and acquired her own practice in 1992. She and her husband Tom Tatley live in Maple Grove.
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. To learn more, visit www.mndental.org.
August 2007
MINNESOTA DENTAL ASSOCIATION INFORMS HEART PATIENTS OF NEW DENTAL TREATMENT GUIDELINES
Antibiotic Treatment No Longer Needed for Most Heart Patients in Advance of Dental Visit
Minneapolis, MN - - The Minnesota Dental Association wants dental patients with heart disease to know that most heart patients will no longer need to take antibiotics before receiving dental treatment. New guidelines have been adopted by both the American Heart Association and the American Dental Association which should significantly reduce the number of patients needing to take a course of antibiotics before a dental appointment. The new guidelines are based on scientific research showing that the risks of taking preventive antibiotics outweigh the benefits for most heart patients. The new guidelines developed by the American Heart Association and adopted by the American Dental Association recommend antibiotic treatment shortly before a dental visit only for those heart patients at highest risk.
"This is very good news for most heart patients and should simplify dental visits for many seniors and others with more common heart conditions," said President of the Minnesota Dental Association, Dr. Richard Wiberg, whose practice is located in Roseville. "We want patients with heart conditions to check carefully to see if they no longer need to take a course of antibiotics before a dental cleaning or other treatment."
Heart patients who routinely took antibiotics before a dental visit in the past but no longer need to are those with rheumatic heart disease, calcified aortic stenosis and mitral valve prolapse, bicuspid valve disease as well as those with certain congenital heart conditions such as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Antibiotics before a dental visit are now recommended only for those heart patients with artificial heart valves, heart transplant patients who develop cardiac valve problems, certain congenital heart disease, recipients of an artificial patch to repair a congenital defect within the past six months or patients with a history of IE. For a complete list, go to: www.ada.org
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
August 2007
INNOVATIVE SOLUTION EXTENDS NEEDED DENTAL CARE TO HEAD START CHILDREN
Minneapolis, MN --- An innovative solution which should increase needed dental care for children served by Head Start has been approved by both the federal government and the Minnesota Department of Human Services. Developed through a proposal by the Minnesota Head Start Program, the Minnesota Dental Association (MDA), the Minnesota Dental Hygienists Association (MDHA), and Apple Tree Dental, this unique plan will improve dental access for Head Start children through use of "collaborative dental hygienists."
This initiative is one of the first in the nation, a model being watched by other states, that will allow Minnesota to increase the percentage of Head Start children receiving a dental exam. Currently less than 65% of children in some areas are receiving such an exam, far less than the 100% required by federal law. In fact, some of Minnesota’s Head Start programs were at risk of losing their federal funding because of the cited health and safety deficiency. Studies have shown that about 30% of the children will have untreated cavities and 10% will have urgent dental care needs.
"I think we will look back on this as an important moment when the MDA and MDHA took the lead to fully implement community collaborative practice so that those who need it the most receive the care they need," said Deb Jacobi, Director of Policy and Advocacy for the non-profit Apple Tree Dental.
Under the approved plan, the dental hygienists will triage the children into three categories, including those with no untreated dental caries, those with untreated caries, and those who need immediate dental treatment. Those children with dental needs will then be referred to a participating dentist for a further examination and treatment.
"We are just thrilled," said Gayle Kelly, executive director of the Minnesota Head Start Association. "This helps to make sure that children who really need dental services will get treatment."
The agreement allows dental hygienists who have entered into a collaborative agreement with a dentist to be able to assess Head Start children. Minnesota’s collaborative agreement law allows a licensed dental hygienist who meets certain experience and education qualifications to perform hygiene services for the uninsured and medical assistance recipients in settings other than the typical dental office, including Head Start programs.
"Minnesota dentists are committed to providing all children with dental care," said Richard Wiberg, a practicing dentist and president of the Minnesota Dental Association. "This is one of several ways the dental profession is trying to improve access to dental care where it is needed most, despite under-funded government reimbursement programs."
In February, the Minnesota Dental Association’s Give Kids a Smile outreach will provide free dental care to children across the state for the 5th year. More than 20,000 children have received free dental care through this outreach effort. And more than 200 dentists participate in the Donated Dental Service Program in which dentists donate their services to the elderly, handicapped, chronically ill and developmentally disabled.
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
April 2007
FREE STATEWIDE DENTAL CARE PROGRAM SHOWS VOLUNTEER SUPPORT AND NEED ARE GREAT
(Minneapolis, MN) - - Minnesota children in need received a record of nearly $1.7 million dollars in free dental care during the two days in February that free care was provided at hundreds of dental offices throughout Minnesota. Thousands of children all over the state were brought into dental offices for treatment during the recently completed Give Kids a Smile outreach sponsored by the Minnesota Dental Association. This was the 5th year that the Minnesota Dental Association has led the statewide outreach effort that has served more than 30,000 children.
“The record of amount of care needed tells me that we continue to have gaps in our care system,” said Richard Wiberg, a practicing dentist in St. Paul and president of the Minnesota Dental Association. “I am so proud of the 1,940 volunteers who donated their time and services to treat the children. Minnesota dentists are committed to making sure that all children have access to quality dental care.”
Dental professionals teamed up with United Way 2-1-1, Head Start, social workers, community nurses, schools and other community groups to ensure that children throughout the state received the care they need. Information was made available in five languages and no financial eligibility requirements were imposed.
Children under 18 received a broad array of care including 3,898 fluoride treatments and nearly 3,264 fillings. Unfortunately, the untreated decay in some children resulted in 441 tooth extractions.
Joining the Minnesota Dental Association in this outreach effort were 3M, Patterson Dental Supply, HealthPartners, United Way, and the Minnesota Dental Foundation.
Minnesota dentists donate millions of dollars in care each year to low-income patients of all ages through charity care in their private practices, at community clinics and through participation in projects like GKAS and Donated Dental Services, a partner program between the MDA and the state for providing oral health care to disabled, senior, poor and uninsured state residents. For a complete listing of free and reduced clinics year round, visit the MDA website at www.mndental.org
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
EDITOR NOTE: Please call to schedule an interview.
January 2007
INNOVATIVE SOLUTION EXTENDS NEEDED DENTAL CARE TO HEAD START CHILDREN
(Minneapolis, MN) --- An innovative solution which should increase needed dental care for children served by Head Start has been approved by both the federal government and the Minnesota Department of Human Services. Developed through a proposal by the Minnesota Head Start Program, the Minnesota Dental Association (MDA), the Minnesota Dental Hygienists Association (MDHA), and Apple Tree Dental, this unique plan will improve dental access for Head Start children through use of “collaborative dental hygienists.”
This initiative is one of the first in the nation, a model being watched by other states, that will allow Minnesota to increase the percentage of Head Start children receiving a dental exam. Currently less than 65% of children in some areas are receiving such an exam, far less than the 100% required by federal law. In fact, some of Minnesota’s Head Start programs were at risk of losing their federal funding because of the cited health and safety deficiency. Studies have shown that about 30% of the children will have untreated cavities and 10% will have urgent dental care needs.
“I think we will look back on this as an important moment when the MDA and MDHA took the lead to fully implement community collaborative practice so that those who need it the most receive the care they need,” said Deb Jacobi, Director of Policy and Advocacy for the non-profit Apple Tree Dental.
Under the approved plan, the dental hygienists will triage the children into three categories, including those with no untreated dental caries, those with untreated caries, and those who need immediate dental treatment. Those children with dental needs will then be referred to a participating dentist for a further examination and treatment.
“We are just thrilled,” said Gayle Kelly, executive director of the Minnesota Head Start Association. “This helps to make sure that children who really need dental services will get treatment.”
The agreement allows dental hygienists who have entered into a collaborative agreement with a dentist to be able to assess Head Start children. Minnesota’s collaborative agreement law allows a licensed dental hygienist who meets certain experience and education qualifications to perform hygiene services for the uninsured and medical assistance recipients in settings other than the typical dental office, including Head Start programs.
“Minnesota dentists are committed to providing all children with dental care,” said Richard Wiberg, a practicing dentist and president of the Minnesota Dental Association. “This is one of several ways the dental profession is trying to improve access to dental care where it is needed most, despite under-funded government reimbursement programs.”
In February, the Minnesota Dental Association’s Give Kids a Smile outreach will provide free dental care to children across the state for the 5th year. More than 20,000 children have received free dental care through this outreach effort. And more than 200 dentists participate in the Donated Dental Service Program in which dentists donate their services to the elderly, handicapped, chronically ill and developmentally disabled.
January 2007
Free Dental Care for Children in Need Provided for 5thConsecutive Year
GIVE KIDS A SMILE HAS SERVED MORE THAN 20,000 CHILDREN BUT NEED REMAINS
(Minneapolis, MN) – Families who cannot access or afford dental care have the opportunity to make sure their children receive check-ups and needed dental treatment in February when more than 1,000 volunteer dentists and other dental professionals donate their time and resources to provide free care. This is the 5th consecutive year the Minnesota Dental Association has coordinated the Give Kids a Smile outreach effort.
Free care will be provided at hundreds of dental offices and clinics throughout Minnesota on Friday, February 2 and Saturday, February 3. There are no questions asked about eligibility and no lengthy forms to fill out. The care is offered to all children whose families cannot afford 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.
“The Minnesota Dental Association is committed to making sure that every child has access to this vital part of their healthcare and well being,” said Richard Wiberg, a practicing dentist in St. Paul and president of the Minnesota Dental Association.
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.
In Minnesota, low reimbursement rates for providing dental care to people on government programs has contributed to the numbers of untreated children. “We are calling on lawmakers to partner with us and use existing tax money collected from the dental community to provide dental care to children in need,” said Dr. Wiberg.
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 program is conducted with support from 3M, HealthPartners, Patterson Dental and the Minnesota Dental Association Foundation.