$25,000 Dental Grant to Help 2nd Graders in Carlton Co.
CARLTON CO. - The Delta Dental of Minnesota Foundation has awarded local nonprofit Just Kids Dental (JKD) a $25,000 grant to increase access to dental care among second-grade children in Carlton County.
The two-year grant will help expand the sealant program JKD conducts in schools across Carlton County.
The Delta Dental of Minnesota Foundation and JKD are filling a growing need for these services, according to the U.S. Health Resources and Services Association (HRSA).
The HRSA has designated Carlton County as a low- income dental Health Professional Shortage Area.
These areas are defined as having shortages of primary medical, dental or mental health care providers.
"We are delighted that we can help JKD reach children whose growth and learning might otherwise be affected by dental problems," says Sharon Oswald, Community Affairs/ Foundation Program Manager, Delta Dental of Minnesota Foundation.
During their school clinics JKD staff provides children with basic dental services, including fluoride varnish, sealants, dental cleanings, and oral health education.
By conducting these clinics at local schools, JKD eliminates barriers to care facing some families such as a lack of transportation, time, and resources.
"Just Kids Dental is honored Delta Dental of Minnesota Foundation is generously supporting and sharing in our commitment to preventing unnecessary pain and suffering in children," says Stacey Anderson, CEO/Founder, Just Kids Dental. "Tooth decay is the number-one chronic childhood illness. It is also the most preventable."
Just Kids Dental is a locally administered 501(c)3 nonprofit that provides oral health screenings, dental cleanings, fluoride varnish applications, sealants, oral health and nutritional education, toothbrushes, toothpaste, and floss to underserved children across the region.
Founded in 2006, JKD eliminates access barriers to care by delivering these services directly to 40 school and community sites across Northeast Minnesota and Northwest Wisconsin.