Volunteer Dentists to Offer Free Care Through 'Give Kids a Smile'

The Minnesota Dental Association is offering free dental services through its charitable program Give Kids a Smile on Feb. 1 and Feb. 2, and a few other days in the upcoming weeks.

The program provides services to low-income children in need who face barriers to receive proper dental care.

Clinics offering the free services near Shakopee are:

Dental Health Care Center
1717 East 66th Street
Richfield, MN 55423
612-861-7109
Website for directions: dentalhealthcarecenter.com
Services: Exams, cleanings, fluoride, x-rays, sealants, fillings, extractions
Event date: Feb. 1
Hours: 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Normandale Community College
9700 France Ave. S., S2305
Bloomington, MN 55431
952-358-8608 (press Option #1, leave your name and number)
Website for directions: www.normandale.edu (drop down menu on top tool bar "About Normandale")
Services: Exams, prophylaxis, fluoride varnish, sealants, bite-wing radiographs
Event date: Jan. 31
Hours: Noon to 6 p.m.

See all participating clinics here.

To make an appointment, review the list of dental clinics. Interested parties may also call United Way 2-1-1 (just dial 2-1-1 or 1-800-543-7709) for assistance finding a clinic that best fits your needs and location.

According to the association's website, before making an appointment, keep the following things in mind:

• 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 any questions about 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 day.
• 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 will be outlined when an appointment is scheduled. Please keep in mind that time is limited and not all identified dental needs may be addressed during this charitable event.
• 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.
• 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.