Dental assistance in Minnesota.
Receive dental assistance from Smiles Across Minnesota. This program has expanded its statewide preventive dental program to cover additional parts of Minnesota. The program helps to improve the oral health of both uninsured and lower income children. The Smiles Across Minnesota dental assistance program provides children who are ages three to 12 with preventive dental services including fluoride treatments, cleanings, and sealants.
The free dental services are offered to all students at participating schools and the treatments are managed by a local hygienist from Children's Dental Services. If a Minnesota family already has commercial dental or health insurance, those parents and their children will be strongly encouraged to visit their previously established dental home.
If the family does not have a primary dentist, children will be referred either to a local dentist or what may be done as well is the family will be assisted in finding appropriate dental services. In addition, Children's Dental Services will provide dental care for children on public assistance, and provide tips on how to get help with dental bills. Any uninsured students who are income-eligible will receive free dental care through the assistance program, and the care is paid for by charitable corporate contributions. Please note that all children receiving dental care will need parental consent.
Delta Dental of Minnesota and Children's Dental Service and created the Smiles Across Minnesota coalition in 2006, in cooperation with Oral Health America's Smiles Across America program. Nationwide Smiles Across Minnesota is one of the most successful coalitions of Oral Health America's Smiles Across America dental assistance program, which has a primary goal of providing school-based dental care to uninsured and low income children.
Details and contact information for Smiles Across Minnesota
High level process of the program is as follows. Your local school will need to send out an application to the student in question. If you receive and complete a consent form, you will be eligible to receive free dental care.
Services offered from the Minnesota dental program include consultations, initial screening, cleanings, flouride treatments, some minor surgery if needed and oral health education. Sealants and dental cleanings will also be completed if clinically indicated. Read more on other free Minnesota dental centers.
Health insurance plans will be billed for the dental services those who have it. Assistance in applying for insurance is available as well if you need it. For those who are income-eligible or without health insurance, some of the medical care and services will be provided on a sliding fee scale or free care program to the low income and elderly.
Learn about other free dental care programs that operate across the state and nation.
Call 612-746-1530 to learn more about Smiles Across Minnesota.
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