Thousands of Minnesota kids receive free dental care
National Give Kids a Smile month has helped thousands of children across America; in Minnesota alone a staggering six thousand and sixty nine children benefitted from the free care provided by special clinics.
The event, which ran throughout February and was celebrated across the whole of America, was designed to raise awareness of the importance of good oral health, encourage children to get involved in oral hygiene and offer basic treatment to those children that couldn’t afford dental care.
In light of the recent recession, an increasing number of patients turned up at the free one-off clinics, some queuing for hours to get the treatment they desperately needed but would never have been able to afford if they visited a normal clinic. Dental health problems are on the increase amongst young children, with changes in diet and infrequent visits to the dentist primarily to blame for the decline in standards of oral health.
Dentists and volunteers that took part in the programme were keen to show children what making simple changes to their daily routine could do for the health of their teeth and gums; spending just ten minutes each day brushing, flossing and rinsing the teeth could make a dramatic difference to oral health.
In total, over two hundred clinics provided free care for underprivileged children, eleven million dollars worth of treatment was completed and more than three thousand volunteers participated in the scheme in Minnesota; it is hoped that children will now have the necessary knowledge and information to look after their teeth and gums in the future and pass their good habits onto other people.
Join this Discussion