• Gifts in Kind
 
• Buddy Backpacks
 
• Smiles Across Minnesota- Iron Range
 
• Imagination Library
 
• Earned Income Tax Credit
 
• Familywize Drug Discount
 
• United Way 2-1-1

Smiles Across Minnesota

"Smiles Across Minnesota" was launched  in the Fall of 2009 and is currently providing care in all area school districts across the Iron Range.  This program is a school based preventative oral health care program that provides care for uninsured and underinsured children. The program improves the oral health and well-being for children ages headstart -18 years of age by providing cleanings, flouride treatments and sealants right within the school. New in 2010 we were able to offer restorative care to children in need of it through a volunteer dentist that travels to the Iron Range from the Twin Cities area.

HOW THE PROGRAM WORKS:

1. Schools send out consent forms for parents to sign and return

2. All children who return a consent form are eligible to receive care. Insurance will be billed for those who have it. Assistance in applying for insurance is available. For those who are income-eligible or without insurance, services will be provided on a sliding fee scale or free care program. Services include initial screening, flouride treatments and oral health education. Sealants and dental cleanings will be completed if clinically indicated.

3. Children keep a healthy smile and are posititvely affected about how they feel, learn and behave.

Dental services are offered to all students at participating schools and administered by a local hygenist and assistant. Children's Dental Services has over 40-years of experience providing site-based care in schools.

 

FUNDING:

Smiles Across Minnesota - Iron Range is grateful to all of our sponsors and partners for their dedication to improving the oral health of underserved children and to all other supporters who make this program successful -

Delta Dental of Minnesota, Children's Dental Services, United Way of NEMN, Northland Foundation, Cliff's Foundation, U.S. Steel Minnesota Ore Operations, Security State Bank, VRMC Foundation

 

DID YOU KNOW?

• Tooth decay is the most common infectious disease among children. It is also largely preventable!
• Nationally, more than 51 million school hours are lost each year due to tooth decay. By providing the necessary dental care in school, children can easily access necessary preventative care in order to stay healthy!
• Children receiving dental sealants in school-based programs have 60% less decay for up to 5 years. Healthy children feel better in school, which helps our efforts to educate.