CLC News The news and events from Central Lakes College
The Central Lakes College Dental Assisting Program is pleased to be joining the ranks of dental professionals across the state in providing free care to children whose families cannot afford to pay for the care. Give Kids a Smile Day will be held on Friday April 19 at CLC’s Dental Assisting Lab, 501 W. College Dr., Brainerd. Community members can start scheduling appointments now: 218-855-8254 or clcdental@clcmn.edu.
The Minnesota Dental Association is sponsoring this statewide outreach effort, called Give Kids a Smile, because dentists are committed to providing all children with dental care and helping eliminate barriers to care throughout Minnesota. The CLC Dental Assisting Program has been hosting Give Kids a Smile events for many years in the community as a way to provide free dental care to local children who need it.
“This is a special way to reach children in need of dental care. Left untreated, tooth decay can have devastating effects on young children, affecting their overall health and even their success in school. We are so happy to be able to help,” said Katie Thalberg, CLC Dental Assisting Program Director.
Minnesota dentists have provided free care to 84,000 children and donated services valued at $26.4 million over the past 20 years to Give Kids a Smile. But challenges still remain. Dental disease remains more prevalent today than childhood asthma Nearly one in four children aged 2 to 11 years old has untreated cavities in their baby teeth, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Regular dental check-ups are critical to keeping children’s teeth and gums healthy, but a major barrier for too many families is the lack of access to affordable dental care.
Clinics across the state will open their doors for this program on various dates. Patients seeking appointments should be age 18 and younger and accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. 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 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
