Minnesota dentists schedule free appointments for needy children

MINNEAPOLIS /PRNewswire/ -- Minnesota dentists will provide free dental care to less fortunate children on Friday, February 5 and Saturday, February 6 at nearly 200 locations statewide. The Minnesota Dental Association is sponsoring this unique outreach effort, called Give Kids a Smile, for the 8th consecutive year. Appointments are being scheduled now.

"We know that government funded programs for families have been dramatically cut. Volunteer dentists are trying to close the gap for the low income children who are not getting the dental care they need and deserve," said Dr. Robert Templeton, president of the Minnesota Dental Association. "With no eligibility requirements and no insurance paperwork for patients, each volunteer dentist treats these children straight from the heart. We are very proud of this."

This year marks the 8th consecutive year the Minnesota Dental Association has sponsored Give Kids a Smile and more than 2,500 volunteer dentists and dental professionals will provide the care. Since its inception, the program has served 32,000 young children and the donated services top $10 million dollars in value.

Patients seeking appointments should be under the age of 18 and accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. People interested in scheduling an appointment can call United Way 211 (just dial 2-1-1) or the statewide toll-free number 1-800-543-7709 or see a list of clinics providing care at www.mndental.org. Information on specific services that will be provided will be outlined when an appointment is scheduled.

The Minnesota Dental Association is the voice of dentistry in Minnesota, representing 81% 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.

SOURCE: Minnesota Dental Association