St. Paul offers free dental service

by Marisa Helms, Minnesota Public Radio

The city of St. Paul is teaming up with the Smiles Across Minnesota coalition to offer dental service to the city's low income children. The coalition is a partnership among Delta Dental of Minnesota, Children's Dental Services, the United Way and 3-M.

St. Paul, Minn. — Dental experts say tooth decay is epidemic in young children and can lead to more serious health problems. The most chronic, acute problems are seen in low income, uninsured children.

St. Paul Mayor Chris Coleman says the Smiles Across Minnesota coalition will offer dental services to 3,000 children in libraries and community centers over the summer.

"We have decided, as part of our outreach, that our libraries were truly going to be part of the center of this effort to invest in our neighborhoods and invest in St. Paul. But it's not just about what the city of St. Paul can do, it's about what our partnership can do together," says Coleman

Dental services include cleanings and sealants that coat and protect the teeth before decay sets in.