MINNEAPOLIS, Jan. 7, 2026 — Minnesota dentists will provide free dental services to children in need on Feb. 6 and 7, 2026, with appointments now open across the state.
The care is offered through the Minnesota Dental Association’s (MDA) annual Give Kids a Smile program, which mobilizes hundreds of volunteer dental professionals at participating clinics statewide.
Children must be 18 or younger and accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. Specific services vary by clinic and will be explained at the time of scheduling. To better serve Minnesota’s diverse communities, multilingual volunteers will be available at select locations.
The program addresses a significant public health need. Tooth decay remains one of the most common chronic conditions affecting children. National data show that children from low-income families are twice as likely to have untreated cavities as those from higher-income households.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that more than half of children ages 6 to 8 have experienced cavities in their baby teeth. In Minnesota, more than half of children enrolled in Medicaid did not receive dental care in the past year.
Since its launch in 2003, Give Kids a Smile has provided free dental care to more than 92,000 Minnesota children, delivering services valued at over $30.5 million.