Giving Kids a Brighter Smile

Giving kids something to smile about. Local dentists donated themselves to help children get proper dental care during today’s Give Kids a Smile. The Minnesota Dental Association says tooth decay is the most chronic childhood disease affecting 50% of first graders.
Along with giving kids healthier smiles the Minnesota Dental Association is using today’s event to draw more awareness to state’s low reimbursement for dental fees. They say Minnesota ranks 39th in the nation, reimbursement paying only 35% compared to 60% nationally.
A normal cleaning and X-Rays for a child can cost over $100. Add in some cavities and the parents’ can see their child’s bill range in the hundreds.
More than 3,000 volunteers helped give kids 18 years old and younger free dental care. And Minnesota dentists have provided free care to more than 60,000 kids since this program began.