Dakota Dental Committed To Providing Dental Care To Underserved

June 21, 2012 - PRLog -- Dakota Dental in Apple Valley, Minnesota, participated in the nationwide Give Kids a Smile event earlier this spring. Sponsored, in part, by the American Dental Association (ADA), Give Kids a Smile provides free education and dental care for underserved children throughout the country. In total, Dakota Dental dentists and staff saw nearly 40 patients and performed about $15,000 worth of dental services. In addition to providing free preventive and restorative dental care, the complete staff and family dentists donated their time.

Dakota Dental believes in the importance of serving the underprivileged, especially since access to quality dental care in these communities is often limited. This belief was reinforced when the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) released a data brief in May 2012.

According to the report on the state of oral health in America, 20 percent of Americans have untreated cavities and 75 percent have had dental work such as fillings or crowns. Tragically, the majority of those with untreated dental problems include underserved communities such as those living under the federal poverty line, those of African-American descent, and those of Mexican-American descent.

The study indicated that nearly one-third of African-Americans and Hispanics had untreated cavities; and, regardless of ethnicity, adults living in poverty were two times more likely to have untreated dental issues. Further, the researchers found that it was more than lack of access to dental care, but also attitudes about dental care that prevented those living in poverty and those of different ethnicities from seeking and obtaining the dental services they need.

To learn more about the CDC oral health study, the Give Kids a Smile program, or dental care for kids and adults, contact Dakota Dental Apple Valley Family Dentistry. Dr. Shelley Wakefield and Dr. Bennett Isabella serve the southern Minneapolis/Saint Paul suburbs through Dakota Dental. Located in the Pennock Professional Building in Apple Valley, Minnesota, Dakota Dental Center provides comprehensive dental work including, but not limited to, preventative dental services, restorative dental procedures, dental implants, periodontal disease treatment, dental for kids, low-anxiety dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, Invisalign and dental emergency services.